Jattvibeday marked the third anniversary of ethnic violence breaking out in Manipur. However, the chasm between the Kuki groups and the majority Meiteis shows no signs of narrowing, as both communities reiterated their known stands. The former is seeking a UT status for hill areas, while the latter urged the Centre and the state government not to support Kuki militants, who are under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with them.Several Meitei groups organised a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, while the tribal Kuki groups carried out a peaceful march in Lamka town in the state’s Churachandpur district.Both communities have been blaming each other for the sustained violence, which continues to rock the state despite imposition of the President’s Rule, its subsequent revocation and a change in CM with Y Khemchand Singh replacing N Biren Singh.Thousands of people across the Sadar Hills in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district also observed “Separation Day” to mark three years since the outbreak of the conflict on May 3, 2023. The observance coincided with a 12-hour shutdown across Sadar Hills. Business establishments, private offices and educational institutions remained closed, while vehicular movement, except for emergency services, was suspended.Meanwhile, after their protest march at Jantar Mantar, several Meitei groups condemned the ongoing violence in the state. They collectively condemned the continued support, funding, protection and shielding extended to Kuki militant groups. They alleged that their continued operation was a direct assault on constitutional order and justice.They sought immediate end to all support, funding, and protection to Kuki militant groups; complete dismantling and disarmament of all militant networks operating in Manipur; immediate restoration of constitutional rule, law and order in Manipur and time-bound justice for every victim of violence since May 3, 2023.Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi, an apex body of the tribal community, reiterated its demand for the creation of a UT with Legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution of India.The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) issued a separate statement, criticising the authorities. “Kuki-Zo lives remain the cheapest commodities in India even three years after the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur,” it alleged.The rights body demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the events of May 2023 and accused the then government led by Biren of presiding over a “systematic ethnic cleansing campaign” allegedly carried out in coordination with armed groups.KOHUR claimed that despite documented allegations of killings, sexual violence and arson, there had been “no arrests and zero prosecutions” in several major cases, describing the situation as a “complete collapse of the rule of law”. Referring to the attack on BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte during the violence, the organisation said the incident demonstrated that even elected representatives were not spared, raising concerns over public safety and accountability.Blast in Imphal; no casualtySuspected militants triggered a bomb explosion in Imphal West district on Jattvibeday, said officials.No casualty or damage to property was reported in the blast that occurred near a crematorium at Malom under the Singjamei police station, less than a kilometre from the Imphal Airport. The incident site is also close to a camp of the Territorial Army.