Tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur's hill regions have thrown daily life into disarray for the seventh consecutive day, with schools and markets remaining shuttered across several districts. The ongoing violence has severely disrupted connectivity, with roadblocks and checkpoints imposed on highways making even basic movement nearly impossible for residents.
According to local reports, people are too fearful to leave their homes. Farmers cannot reach their fields, and those requiring urgent medical care face enormous difficulties in reaching hospitals or the airport. Essential supplies, including food grains and cooking fuel, have become scarce as supply routes through the hills remain blocked.
One of the most striking indicators of the crisis is the price of basic commodities. In Kangpokpi district, Chinese sugar is being sold at between ₹400 and ₹450 per kilogram — a stark departure from normal prices — reflecting the severity of supply chain breakdowns. Residents say that without functional transport links, traders are unwilling to venture into the area, leaving households to cope with scarce and expensive provisions.
The death toll from the violence has risen sharply. Six people were killed within a span of four days, pushing the total number of fatalities this year to 40. The violence, which initially erupted along ethnic lines between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the tribal Kuki-Zo and Naga groups in the hills, has continued to CLAIM lives despite intermittent talks and security force deployments.
Seven hill districts remain largely cut off from regular communication and transport networks. Residents report that mobile phone and internet services have been intermittently disrupted, further isolating affected communities from the outside world.
The Indian government has deployed additional security personnel to the region, and authorities have attempted to restore limited movement on key highways. However, residents say that fear of renewed clashes continues to keep people indoors, and the humanitarian situation in the hill areas remains fragile.
