Imphal: Marking three years since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, the Meitei Alliance on Saturday issued a strong appeal for truth, accountability, and lasting peace in Manipur, as the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of prolonged communal unrest.

In a statement, the Alliance said the disturbances between Kuki and Meitei groups have led to heavy human and economic losses. Hundreds of people have died, thousands have been injured, and nearly one lakh residents have been displaced over the past three years. Large-scale destruction of homes and property, restrictions on movement, and disruption of livelihoods have further deepened the crisis.

The group also raised concerns over what it described as “misleading narratives” surrounding the origins of the conflict. It argued that the violence has often been reduced to simplistic explanations, such as a direct response to the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, following observations by the Manipur High Court. According to the Alliance, such interpretations ignore deeper structural, historical, and political factors behind the unrest.

The statement criticised what it called one-sided portrayals of the situation, including allegations that the state government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party primarily favours Meitei interests. It claimed that such views overlook complexities within the ruling establishment and fail to address grievances of Meitei victims, while also pointing to alleged roles of security forces and armed groups in escalating tensions.

Placing the violence in a broader context, the Alliance linked the crisis to long-standing issues such as uneven development, corruption, political manipulation, and demographic pressures. It said these factors, combined with inadequate government response, have contributed to both communal tensions and insurgent activity over time.

The Alliance further alleged that divisive approaches and the involvement of armed groups operating under Suspension of Operations arrangements have worsened the situation. It said the failure to ensure adequate protection has forced communities to organise for self-defence, intensifying cycles of retaliation and mistrust.

Despite heavy deployment of security forces and administrative changes, including the imposition of President’s Rule, the Alliance said violence continues in various forms. It also noted rising tensions among different tribal groups, pointing to a more complex and fragile security environment.

Reaffirming its stance, the Meitei Alliance stressed that Manipur’s territorial integrity and unity must be preserved. It called for stricter regulation of demographic influx, action against narcotics and illegal poppy cultivation, and protection of forests and the environment.

At the same time, the Alliance held the government accountable for failing to restore normalcy, ensure safety of citizens, and address disruptions along key highways. It also criticised the continued existence of “buffer zones” and highlighted the lack of adequate support for internally displaced persons, including the absence of conditions for their safe return.

Appealing to all communities in Manipur, the Alliance urged people to remain united and to collectively demand accountability from the government to restore peace and strengthen democratic processes in the state.