A Christian social activist from Mizoram, Alinery Lianhlawng, told the United Nations that the narratives peddled by the international media on Manipur violence hold no ground and India’s northeast region has rich ethnic diversity. Speaking during a general debate at the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Alinery said, “Being an indigenous woman from the North East of India, I have the privilege to shed light on the Manipur conflict and Government of India’s firm resolve to bring back peace and normalcy in the region”. “Manipur, with a population of 2.8 million, is home to more than 35 communities, the majority of which can be classified into three main ethnic groups- the Meiteis, the Nagas, and the Kukis. Geographically, the state can be divided into two parts-Imphal valley and hill areas”, she said in her intervention. The valley accounts for just over 11% of the area but is home to 57% of the total population, mainly Meitei. The hill areas are dominated by Naga and Kuki tribes and comprise 43% of the state’s population. Alinery said that the present conflict needs to be seen through the prism of complex ethnic relationships. One of the main reasons for this conflict is over land rights, controls, and ownership of land between the two communities. “Therefore, as the narratives peddled by international Media have been that the Manipur conflict is of religious nature holds no ground”, she added.