Two Years of Fire and Silence: Manipur in Pictures

In an unprecedented wave of violence in 2023, over 250 churches were reportedly burned down by militant groups in Manipur. A few still stand, scarred but unbroken. Photo: Yaqut Ali

A Kuki house in the New Lambulane area of Imphal was burnt to ashes by militia group Arambai Tenggol in May 2023. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Echoes of absence: New Lambulane, once a vibrant hub dominated by the Kuki community in Imphal, now stands quiet under the watch of Central and state forces, with rickshaws waiting on the empty Tribal Market street. Photo: Yaqut Ali

In Imphal West district's Zomi Villa, Kuki properties now bear the mark of Arambai Tenggol, a militia group that has taken over and earns money by using these spaces. 'A.T. H55' has been spray-painted on shuttered store fronts, signalling the takeover. Photo: Yaqut Ali

The charred remains of the BJP office in Thoubal district, Manipur — burnt down in public anger over the state’s handling of ethnic violence, now standing in silence amidst empty fields at dusk. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Manipuri Muslim Council, Moreh: Manipuri Muslims, also known as Meitei Pangal, are the only group able to travel between the hill and valley areas in violence-hit Manipur amidst the conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities. Photo: Yaqut Ali

The only airport in Manipur, situated in the capital city of Imphal, became inaccessible for the Kuki community living in the state after the ongoing violence, as the city is Meitei-dominated. Due to this conflict, workers from the Kuki community also had to transfer from the airport in Imphal. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Ango-Kuki War Gate: It is being said that violence began when a mob started burning this gate. The matter is under investigation. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Meitei men guarding the Valley as they have lost faith in State and Central Forces. Photo: Yaqut Ali

The same story is visible in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Many vehicles belonging to one community were burnt down by another community in Manipur, a grim testament to the escalating conflict between the two groups. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Children in relief camps are painting what they are experiencing in Manipur – violence. Photo: Yaqut Ali

A charred bicycle lies amid the rubble in Manipur — a haunting remnant of the violence that has torn through lives and landscapes alike. Photo: Yaqut Ali

A Wall of Remembrance: Set outside the district collector's office in Churachandpur district, this memorial honours those who lost their lives in the violence, with pictures of the deceased telling their stories. Photo: Yaqut Ali

A similar set up at burial site in Kangpokpi district. Photo: Yaqut Ali

People in Manipur have been demanding chief minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation, which finally came on February 9. Many believe he is responsible for the continuing violence in the state. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Many guns and ammunition were looted in Manipur’s capital city, Imphal, during the ethnic violence that began in May 2023, and despite multiple orders by the governor to return the looted arms, a significant number remain missing as of May 2025. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Beyond the killings, over 30 people remain missing in Manipur. The government has failed to trace them, and their families now fear the worst. Ranjita Thongam is holding her husband’s picture; he has been missing since 2023. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Kuki children are now studying in temporary schools setted by locals, as the government failed to provide education. They are unable to return to their villages due to safety concerns; their villages were burnt to ashes in the violence. Photo: Yaqut Ali

Kajal, who met Rahul Gandhi and the Supreme Court judges during their visit to Manipur, has lost hope in the government. All she wants now is for her little brother to continue his education. Photo: Yaqut Ali