In Manipur, the work of peace is still to be done
Source Entity
The Indian Express
A fresh outbreak of violence in Manipur’s hill districts has resulted in at least nine deaths, highlighting the persistent failure of state governance. Despite the transition to President’s Rule, the region remains trapped in a cycle of ethnic conflict that continues to destabilize the social fabric.
The Persistent Crisis in Manipur: A Failure of Governance
The recent surge of violence in Manipur, which claimed at least nine lives on the night of October 9, serves as a grim indicator that the state’s long-standing ethnic schisms remain unresolved. Spanning the districts of Kamjong, Kangpokpi, and Senapati, the clashes between Kuki and Naga communities involved sophisticated ambushes and sustained gunfights. This escalation is not an isolated incident but a continuation of the deep-seated instability that has plagued the region for over three-and-a-half years.
The Erosion of State Authority
At the core of this tragedy is the persistent incapacity of the governing apparatus to secure its citizens. The violence highlights a complete breakdown in law and order, where armed groups operate with impunity across district lines. The failure to contain these groups suggests that despite various administrative interventions, the state has been unable to establish a monopoly on force, leaving communities vulnerable to cyclical retribution.
The Failure of Political Transitions
Following the dissolution of the N. Biren Singh government in February 2025, there was a tentative hope that the imposition of President’s Rule would provide a neutral, effective pathway toward stabilization. The goal was to replace a regime perceived as partisan with an administration capable of bridging the divide. However, the latest violence indicates that this political transition has yet to translate into meaningful improvements in safety or communal harmony on the ground.
Deepening Ethnic Schisms
The conflict, fundamentally rooted in communal tensions, has become more entrenched over time. The fact that violence continues to flare up across multiple districts suggests that the underlying grievances remain unaddressed. Without a robust, inclusive mechanism for dialogue and reconciliation, the 'fragile calm' described in reports is likely to remain elusive, leaving the population susceptible to further outbreaks of hostility.
Long-term Implications and Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the trajectory of Manipur remains precarious. The inability to stop the violence suggests that the current security-heavy approach is insufficient without a concurrent political and social healing process. For peace to be achieved, the administration must move beyond reactive policing and address the root causes of the Kuki-Naga tensions. Unless there is a fundamental shift in how the state manages these communal fractures, the cycle of violence will continue to hinder the development and stability of the entire region.