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Rallies, shutdowns in Manipur mark third anniversary of ethnic violence
On May 3, 2026, the third anniversary of the 2023 Manipur violence, Meitei groups held processions in Imphal valley while Kuki-Zo communities observed a district-wide shutdown in Kangpokpi and held meetings in Churachandpur. The day featured public conventions, protests, and district-level actions as communities remembered victims and pressed for peace and governance reforms.
Why It Matters
The anniversary underscores ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, with continued calls for reconciliation and accountability after widespread violence, displacement, and damage dating back to 2023.
Timeline
9 Events
May 3, 2026: ITLF figures cited
May 3, 2026
ITLF spokesperson Ginza Vualzong stated the crisis claimed over 250 Kuki lives, more than 40,000 displaced, about 7,000 houses burned and about 360 churches demolished.
May 3, 2026: Public meeting in Churachandpur
May 3, 2026
A public meeting was held in Churachandpur district to commemorate the victims of the crisis.
May 3, 2026: 12-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi
May 3, 2026
In Kangpokpi, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) imposed a 12-hour total shutdown from 6 am on Sunday.
May 3, 2026: COCOMI convention and six-point demand
May 3, 2026
A public convention under the banner ‘Three Years on Manipur Crisis’ was organized in Imphal East by Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). The convention resolved six points demanding reconciliation and press for central government action, including commemorating May 3 as Anti-Narco Terrorism Day.
May 3, 2026: Kuki-Zo shutdowns and district meetings
May 3, 2026
Kuki-Zo organisations observed a shutdown in Kangpokpi district and held meetings in Churachandpur district to commemorate the victims of the violence.
May 3, 2026: Meitei processions in Imphal valley
May 3, 2026
Hundreds of Meitei protestors organized processions in Imphal valley districts (Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, Bishnupur) calling for NRC before the census and protection of Manipur’s administrative and territorial integrity.
May 3, 2023: Ethnic violence erupts in Manipur
May 3, 2023
Ethnic violence erupts in Manipur, resulting in over 260 deaths and displacing more than 60,000 people. The crisis was followed by the imposition of President’s Rule for a year.
May 2023: Tribal Solidarity march context (Hill districts)
May 2023
In 2023, the crisis reportedly erupted after a 'Tribal Solidarity march' organized in hill districts, especially Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Moreh, against the Manipur High Court’s recommendation to include Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe list.
May 2023: Imposition of President's Rule in Manipur
May 2023
Following the 2023 violence, President’s Rule is imposed for one year.