Manipur Violence: 306 Killed, 49 Still Missing Since 2023, Home Minister Tells Assembly
IMPHAL, September 3: At least 306 people, including 11 security personnel, have been killed and 49 remain missing in the ethnic violence that has affected Manipur since May 2023, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam informed the state Assembly on Thursday.
The figures, updated up to August 31, 2026, were presented during the second day of the ongoing eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh.
According to the Home Minister, those killed or reported missing belong to different communities, including Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas, highlighting the widespread impact of the prolonged conflict across the state.
The violence began on May 3, 2023, following a Tribal Solidarity March in the hill districts organised in opposition to the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community. The unrest subsequently led to prolonged clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, along with violence affecting Naga areas.
The continuing conflict also brought major political changes in the state. The BJP-led government headed by N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, amid the ongoing violence. President’s Rule was imposed four days later on February 13, with the 60-member Assembly placed under suspended animation.
President’s Rule was revoked on February 4, 2026, following which a new BJP-led government was formed under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
The latest casualty figures presented in the Assembly underline the continuing human cost of the violence, with hundreds killed and dozens still unaccounted for more than three years after the conflict began.
