In India's northeastern state of Manipur, ethnic violence between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribes has led to a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 60,000 people and claiming more than 250 lives. The conflict, which began last year, has left families like Phalneivah Khonsai's living in squalid conditions in relief centers.
The Meiteis, predominantly Hindus, and the Kuki-Zos are divided into separate ethnic zones, each controlled by armed militias patrolling roads and guarding villages. The violence erupted when the Meiteis demanded government recognition as a Scheduled Tribe, triggering protests and violent clashes with the Kuki-Zos who opposed the move.
