Indian authorities announced on Sunday that they have begun to ease the curfew imposed in Manipur after 45 days of unrest in the northeastern state, in an attempt to mitigate public anger and restore normalcy. Local government official Diana Devi stated, "We decided to lift the curfew from 5 AM to 5 PM to allow residents to purchase food, medicine, and other essentials."
Manipur has experienced widespread violence since May 3 following protests by a tribal community triggered by discontent over the advantages enjoyed by the Kuki community, which has access to economic benefits and a quota system that facilitates their members in obtaining government jobs and educational opportunities. The Kuki are an ethnic group primarily residing in the hills. Meanwhile, the Meitei community, which constitutes half of the state's population, is demanding an increase in their limited share. The Kuki community fears that this will lead to a greater appropriation of educational and government job opportunities meant for them by the Meitei community.
