Manipur, a northeastern state that once symbolised India’s rich cultural diversity, is now a battlefield of anger, hate, and bloodshed. The ongoing conflict, simmering for the past 19 months, has escalated into one of the most brutal phases of violence in recent memory over the past 15 days. Women and children have been massacred, homes in villages torched, and communities torn apart by an escalating cycle of ethnic hatred and targeted violence. Beneath this visible conflict lies a dangerous cocktail of transnational terrorism, separatist agendas, and the growing influence of the narcotics trade, which has turned Manipur into a theatre of chaos.
Resolving this crisis demands a multi-pronged strategy that balances neutrality, justice, and equality in governance while addressing the external forces that are stoking the flames. It requires forceful action against terrorism and the drug trade, along with efforts to rebuild trust among Manipur’s divided communities.
The roots of the Manipur conflict run deep, embedded in decades of ethnic tension between the Meiteis in the valley and the Kuki-Zomi and Naga tribes in the hill districts. Historical grievances over land rights, cultural identity, and political representation have long plagued the state. However, in the last 19 months, these tensions have spiralled into full-blown violence, driven by growing polarisation, mistrust, and external meddling.
The last 15 days have witnessed a horrifying escalation, with reports of CRPF camp being attacked, villages being attacked, women raped, children massacred, and families displaced. This carnage is not just the result of ethnic animosities but a calculated attempt to destabilise the region by forces that thrive on chaos.
One of the most insidious forces behind this conflict is the narcotics lobby. Manipur’s strategic location along the India-Myanmar border has made it a hub for drug trafficking, particularly heroin and methamphetamine. The illicit drug trade, backed by powerful transnational networks, funds insurgent groups and exacerbates the violence. These groups exploit ethnic divisions to further their own agendas, using the conflict to gain control over territory and resources while pushing separatist narratives.
The involvement of external actors and transnational terrorism has added another dangerous dimension. Armed groups operating in Manipur have reportedly received support from across the border, including weapons, funds, and training. This external backing not only sustains the violence but also fuels a separatist agenda that threatens India’s sovereignty.
In the face of such a complex and deeply entrenched conflict, neutrality in governance is non-negotiable.
Allegations of bias against state institutions, whether real or perceived, have only deepened the mistrust between communities. The Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas all accuse the state of favouring one group over the others, and this perception has driven communities to take up arms in self-defence.
To rebuild trust, the government must adopt a neutral and impartial stance, ensuring that law enforcement agencies and administrative bodies serve all citizens equally. Deploying Central forces under clear and impartial mandates is critical to maintaining law and order while preventing further ethnic violence. Transparency in government actions and communication is equally important to dispel rumours and foster a sense of fairness.
The long-standing inequalities in Manipur’s development have been a major driver of discontent. The hill districts, home to the tribal communities, have historically lagged behind the valley in terms of infrastructure, education, and healthcare. This disparity has fuelled resentment and a sense of marginalisation among the tribal communities.
Addressing these inequalities is essential for long-term peace. The government must prioritise equitable development across all regions, ensuring that resources are distributed fairly and that every community has access to opportunities for growth. Economic initiatives should focus on creating jobs, improving connectivity, and building schools and hospitals in underdeveloped areas.
At the same time, the government must address the cultural and political concerns of all communities. The Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which has sparked opposition from the tribal communities, needs to be handled through dialogue and consensus. A comprehensive policy framework that balances the Meiteis’ aspirations with the rights of the tribal communities can help bridge the divide.
The horrific violence over the past 19 months, particularly the brutal targeting of women and children, has left deep scars on Manipur’s collective psyche. Justice for the victims is not only a moral imperative but also a prerequisite for reconciliation and healing.
The government must ensure that all incidents of violence, including massacres, rapes, and arson, are thoroughly investigated and that the perpetrators are held accountable. These investigations must be independent and impartial, ensuring that no group is unfairly targeted or protected.
At the same time, restorative justice mechanisms, such as truth and reconciliation commissions, can provide a platform for survivors to share their stories and seek healing. These initiatives can help communities come to terms with their shared pain and work toward rebuilding relationships.
While addressing internal grievances is crucial, the external forces fuelling the conflict cannot be ignored. The narcotics trade and transnational terrorism are not just by-products of the conflict; they are active drivers that sustain and escalate the violence.
To combat these threats, the government must take decisive action to dismantle the drug networks operating in the region. This requires strengthening border security, increasing surveillance, and enhancing intelligence-sharing with neighbouring countries like Myanmar. Joint operations with international partners can help disrupt the flow of drugs and weapons into Manipur.
Equally important is the need to target insurgent groups that receive transnational support. Precision military operations, combined with efforts to cut off their funding and supply chains, can weaken these groups and reduce their ability to perpetuate violence. However, these actions must be accompanied by efforts to win the trust of local communities, ensuring that they are seen as partners in the fight against terrorism rather than collateral damage.
The escalation of violence in Manipur has been accompanied by a rise in hateful rhetoric and propaganda, both online and offline. These narratives, often fuelled by external actors, deepen divisions and make reconciliation more difficult.
Countering this hate requires a concerted effort to promote unity and inclusivity. Media, civil society, and community leaders must work together to amplify messages of peace and shared identity. Educational programs that celebrate Manipur’s cultural diversity can also play a role in fostering mutual understanding and respect.
Rebuilding trust among Manipur’s communities will take time, patience, and sustained effort. Initiatives such as inter-community dialogues, joint cultural programs, and collaborative development projects can help bring people together and create a sense of shared purpose.
The ongoing crisis in Manipur is a tragedy of proportions, but it is not insurmountable. By embracing neutrality, promoting equality, delivering justice, and taking decisive action against external threats, the government can pave the way for lasting peace.
This journey will require the active participation of all stakeholders, from the Central and state governments to community leaders, civil society, and ordinary citizens. It will also demand unwavering commitment, transparency, and the political will to address the root causes of the conflict.
Manipur’s future depends on the ability of its people to rise above hate and division and rediscover the shared humanity that unites them. Only by working together can they build a state where every child, woman, and man feels safe, valued, and included—a Manipur that stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Having visited Manipur and spoken to people across its diverse communities, I have witnessed first-hand the deep pain, anger, and mistrust that the ongoing conflict has sown. From grieving families who have lost loved ones to displaced individuals struggling to find safety, the human cost of this unrest is overwhelming. Despite the divisions, there remains a shared yearning for peace and a better future. Conversations with people across the Meitei, Kuki-Zomi, and other communities revealed not just their grievances but also their hopes for justice, equality, and coexistence. It is clear that while the scars of violence run deep, the resilience and spirit of the people offer a glimmer of hope for reconciliation and rebuilding.
* Savio Rodrigues is the founder and editor in chief of Goa Chronicle.