New Delhi: Three years after ethnic violence broke out in Manipur, the inquiry tasked with fixing accountability is still pending, even as fresh killings, protests and security crackdowns point to continuing instability in the state. The Centre-appointed Commission of Inquiry, set up weeks after the violence began in 2023, has missed four deadlines and is yet to submit its findings, with its latest deadline now set for May 20, 2026, according to a report by Hindustan Times.The three-member panel was established on June 4, 2023, roughly a month after clashes erupted between Meitei and Kuki communities on May 3. It was mandated to examine the causes and spread of the violence, the sequence of events, possible lapses by authorities, and the adequacy of administrative responses.As per the newspaper, the inquiry remains ongoing, with thousands of statements received from affected communities, and that key officials in charge at the time of the outbreak are yet to be summoned.The delay comes even as the state continues to see sporadic violence. Since 2023, the unrest has left over 260 people dead and displaced around 60,000.Fresh tensions were triggered by the killing of two children in a bomb attack in Bishnupur district last month. The five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister were killed on April 7 in Tronglaobi village while sleeping with their mother. The two siblings were killed on April 7 in Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in what local reports described as a projectile attack allegedly carried out by suspected militants. Their mother was also injured in the early morning incident. Their last rites were performed after 25 days on May 2, with family members collecting the bodies from the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal and taking them to their village, Imphal Times reported. Large numbers of people gathered along the route to pay their respects, and the funeral was held at Lamthabung ground in Torbung.Their bodies remained in a morgue in Imphal for 25 days after the family refused to accept the remains, demanding that those responsible be arrested. The attack had triggered a sharp escalation in tensions in the area. According to Imphal Times, a mob stormed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in the aftermath, and three civilians were killed in the ensuing violence.Also read: Manipur Needs No More Repression or Coercion. It Needs a Deeper UnderstandingThe case has since been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and security forces have launched operations in Bishnupur and neighbouring Churachandpur district. Five suspects linked to a banned underground outfit have been arrested so far, according to Hindustan Times.The killings also sparked protests across several valley districts, with torch rallies reported from April 11 onwards.Authorities imposed temporary restrictions on internet services following the attack, citing a volatile law and order situation, before restoring connectivity in phases.The state government has announced relief measures for the victims’ family, including employment assurances for both parents.Despite the formation of a new government that includes representatives from Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities, sporadic violence has continued across the state.