Capital: Imphal.
Geography: Situated in the center of a fertile valley (Imphal Valley) with Loktak Lake (the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, featuring floating islands and the unique Sangai deer).
Surrounded by mountains and hills (90% of the area).
Borders: Nagaland (north), Assam (west), Mizoram (south), Myanmar (east).
Culture and history: Very ancient kingdom history (from 33 AD), birthplace of modern polo, rich dance and music traditions (Ras Leela), diverse ethnic groups (primarily Meitei in the valley, Naga, Kuki-Zo, and others in the hills).
Main languages: Meitei (Manipuri) and English.
Economy: Primarily agriculture, forestry, handicrafts, and fishing.
Much potential in tourism, but underutilized.
Current situation (March 2026):
Since May 2023, there has been serious ethnic violence primarily between the Meitei (majority in the valley) and Kuki-Zo tribes (hills).
More than 260 deaths, ~60,000 displaced people, informal separation of valleys and hills with buffer zones.
The central government intervened with President's Rule (2025), but a new state government (BJP) was restored in early 2026.
Violence has decreased significantly, but tension remains high, with occasional incidents, protests over immigration/NRC, drug issues (poppy cultivation), and mistrust between communities.
Recovery and rehabilitation (including support for women) are underway, but true peace and trust are still a long way off.
In short: a beautiful, culturally rich state with enormous tourism potential, but unfortunately plagued by deep ethnic divisions for years.
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