Imagine losing a family member and not knowing if they're alive or dead. That's the reality for many families in Manipur, where ethnic violence broke out three years ago. The violence left over 30 people from the valley areas missing, and their families are still searching for answers.

The families have been waiting for what feels like an eternity, and the uncertainty is taking a toll on their lives. They've tried to get help from the government, but so far, nothing has been done. They've even gone to court, but the process is slow and frustrating.

One of the biggest challenges the families face is getting compensation and benefits. The government needs a death certificate to provide these, but since the missing people haven't been declared dead, the families can't get the documents. This means they can't access the help they need to survive.

For families like Kabita Devi's, the wait is unbearable. Her husband has been missing since the violence began, and she's struggling to make ends meet. She's been promised jobs and support, but nothing has been given. She's now being asked to wait seven years for a death certificate, which feels like an impossible task.

The Meitei Alliance, a global umbrella body for Manipur's Meitei community, has spoken out about the situation. They say that the government's actions have been one-sided and have distorted public understanding of the conflict. They're calling for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the complex historical and structural tensions that led to the violence.