Some groups from India’s northeastern Manipur state are heading toward New Delhi and will begin protests in the Indian capital on December 22, as tensions between two ethnic communities are rising again.

Since 2023, a deadly ethnic conflict has claimed hundreds of lives and devastated thousands of homes in Manipur. The state’s more than three million residents are still waiting for peace as a fresh wave of violence broke out last month.

Clashes erupted in May of last year between the majority Meitei and the indigenous Kuki minority groups. The violence was sparked by Kuki protests against demands from the Meiteis to be granted official tribal status, which would make them eligible for affirmative action and other benefits.

Agencies.