A number of India's North-eastern states predominantly governed by regional political parties, face multiple armed insurgencies involving several militants groups, arising out of a history of ethnic tensions. These insurgencies often target state security forces, infrastructure, and rival ethnic communities.
Recently, the insurgency in Manipur, which erupted in May 2023, was characterized by ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. The conflict stemmed from a court decision regarding the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which the Kuki-Zo oppose due to concerns about potential loss of their traditional rights and land. In response, the central government deployed large numbers of central paramilitary forces, asserted emergency-like powers, and shifted key administrative powers to the Governor, bypassing the elected state government.