New Delhi

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A year ago on May 3, 2023, ethnic violence broke out in the northeast Indian state of Manipur between the Meitei community and tribal Kukis. Since then, at least 220 people have been killed, thousands injured and tens of thousands displaced.

Friday marks the first anniversary of the violence. Although much of the violence was put down within days, sporadic clashes, gun battles, and bomb attacks have continued in Manipur which has a population of 3.2 million. 

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A report by the news agency Reuters said that security forces were on heightened alert in the state on the first anniversary of the violence. 

"Elaborate preventive measures are in place," a top police official told Reuters.

How the violence broke out

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The violence in Manipur erupted after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the Kukis to the majority community of Meiteis as well.

Also read | Manipur violence: Women paraded naked had been denied refuge in police vehicle, reveals CBI chargesheet

Kukis make up 16 per cent of the population while Meiteis form 53 per cent. 

The Kukis demanded the federal government carve out a separate administration to govern the hills dominated by Kukis, accusing the state government of being partial to the Meiteis.

The violence specifically grabbed global headlines after news came in that three women were stripped and paraded by a mob. The police said that they registered a case of gang rape and abduction, and soon the culprits were arrested.

Kukis to observe May 3 as 'Kuki-Zo Awakening Day'

Reuters reported that the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kukis, said it will observe May 3 as "Kuki-Zo Awakening Day", or a day for "introspection" and "self-realisation".

Kuki-dominated hill districts will hold mass prayers at churches followed by meetings to remember those who lost their lives the past year.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), another body representing Kuki interests, has called for a shutdown through the day in the Kuki-dominated district of Churachandpur to "honour the sacrifices and struggles of our warriors".

(With inputs from agenices)