How is Manipuri used among Manipur’s many ethnic groups?

Manipuri, also known as Meitei, serves as a vital lingua franca among the 29 distinct ethnic groups residing in Manipur.1

While the state is home to diverse populations—including the dominant Meiteis in the valley and various indigenous hill tribes such as the Nagas and Kukis—more than three-fifths of the total population speak the language. Due to its widespread use as a common medium of communication across these diverse communities, Manipuri holds the status of an official language of the state alongside English. In 1992, it further achieved national recognition as a "scheduled" language of India.21