In the remote Indian state of Manipur, two ethnic groups - the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo - have been locked in a brutal conflict that has claimed nearly 260 lives and displaced over 60,000 people. The violence has left the region scarred, with widespread destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
As New Delhi struggles to restore order, many are wondering how this civil war is affecting ordinary citizens on both sides of the divide. For those living in the affected areas, the conflict is a daily reality that's taking a devastating toll on their lives.
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of a community gripped by fear and uncertainty. The Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have lived alongside each other for generations, but the recent outbreak of violence has created an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility.
"I've seen so many families forced to flee their homes," says Akinfen, a 25-year-old resident of Imphal, Manipur's capital. "They're left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. It's heartbreaking to see."
For those who remain in their homes, life has become increasingly difficult. With schools and hospitals often at risk of attack, many children are missing out on education and medical care. Women are particularly vulnerable, as they're often forced to flee their homes under threat of violence.
"It's a very challenging time," says Dr. Nongmaikhon, a doctor at one of the state's few remaining hospitals. "We do our best to provide emergency care, but it's not enough. We need more resources and support."
Despite New Delhi's efforts to disarm the warring factions and restore peace to the region, many are skeptical about the government's ability to bring an end to the conflict.
"We've seen promises of peace before, but they haven't been kept," says Kaito, a 30-year-old member of the Kuki-Zo community. "We need concrete action, not just words."
As the situation in Manipur continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: ordinary citizens are suffering the most. With no end in sight to the violence, many are left wondering what the future holds for their families and communities.
The Indian government has pledged to provide support to those affected by the conflict, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the violence.
"Manipur is a microcosm of India's deeper issues," says Sajad, a local activist. "We need to confront the underlying tensions between different communities and find a way to bring them together."
For now, the people of Manipur are left to wait and see if New Delhi can deliver on its promises. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: ordinary citizens are paying the price for the violence that's ravaging their homes.
As New Delhi struggles to restore order, many are wondering how this civil war is affecting ordinary citizens on both sides of the divide. For those living in the affected areas, the conflict is a daily reality that's taking a devastating toll on their lives.
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of a community gripped by fear and uncertainty. The Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have lived alongside each other for generations, but the recent outbreak of violence has created an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility.
"I've seen so many families forced to flee their homes," says Akinfen, a 25-year-old resident of Imphal, Manipur's capital. "They're left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. It's heartbreaking to see."
For those who remain in their homes, life has become increasingly difficult. With schools and hospitals often at risk of attack, many children are missing out on education and medical care. Women are particularly vulnerable, as they're often forced to flee their homes under threat of violence.
"It's a very challenging time," says Dr. Nongmaikhon, a doctor at one of the state's few remaining hospitals. "We do our best to provide emergency care, but it's not enough. We need more resources and support."
Despite New Delhi's efforts to disarm the warring factions and restore peace to the region, many are skeptical about the government's ability to bring an end to the conflict.
"We've seen promises of peace before, but they haven't been kept," says Kaito, a 30-year-old member of the Kuki-Zo community. "We need concrete action, not just words."
As the situation in Manipur continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: ordinary citizens are suffering the most. With no end in sight to the violence, many are left wondering what the future holds for their families and communities.
The Indian government has pledged to provide support to those affected by the conflict, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the violence.
"Manipur is a microcosm of India's deeper issues," says Sajad, a local activist. "We need to confront the underlying tensions between different communities and find a way to bring them together."
For now, the people of Manipur are left to wait and see if New Delhi can deliver on its promises. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: ordinary citizens are paying the price for the violence that's ravaging their homes.