IMPHAL | At least 306 people have been killed and 49 remain missing in the ethnic violence that has continued to affect Manipur since May 2023, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam told the state Assembly on Thursday.

Konthoujam disclosed the updated figures in response to a question from BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh on the second day of the ongoing Assembly session. The figures cover incidents recorded up to August 31, 2026.

The violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted on May 3, 2023, following a Tribal Solidarity March in the hill districts. The march was organised in opposition to the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community.

The prolonged conflict has resulted in deaths, disappearances and large-scale displacement, while repeatedly disrupting normal life across the state.

Meiteis account for around 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and are largely concentrated in the Imphal Valley. Tribal communities, including the Nagas and Kukis, constitute about 40 per cent of the population and predominantly inhabit the hill districts.

The violence also triggered a major political crisis in the state. The BJP-led government headed by N Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, amid the continuing unrest, following which President’s Rule was imposed on February 13.

The 60-member Manipur Assembly, whose term runs until 2027, was placed under suspended animation during President’s Rule.

President’s Rule was revoked on February 4, 2026, paving the way for the formation of a new government under BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who took over as chief minister. The latest figures presented in the Assembly underline the continuing human cost of the conflict more than three years after violence first erupted.

With 49 people still officially reported missing as of August 31, the issue of unresolved disappearances remains a major concern for families affected by the violence. The government’s disclosure comes as efforts continue to restore normalcy and address the political, humanitarian and security challenges arising from the prolonged conflict.