Editorial-25/04/2026
Cycle of violence: On Manipur, the persistence of hostilities
Introduction
Manipur has been witnessing prolonged ethnic violence primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023. Despite periodic interventions by the state and central governments, the conflict continues in cycles, indicating deep-rooted structural, ethnic, and governance-related challenges. The persistence of violence reflects not merely a law-and-order issue but a complex crisis involving identity, land, and political representation.
Background of the Conflict
- Ethnic composition:
- Meiteis: Dominant in the Imphal Valley (politically influential)
- Kuki-Zo tribes: Predominantly in hill districts
- Trigger:
- Demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by Meiteis
- Underlying fault lines:
- Historical mistrust
- Land ownership disputes (valley vs hills)
- Demographic anxieties
Why Violence Persists (Cycle of Conflict)
1. Historical Grievances and Identity Politics
The roots of the conflict lie in long-standing ethnic tensions between valley-based Meiteis and hill-based tribal groups (especially Kuki-Zo).
- Competing claims over land, identity, and political representation have remained unresolved for decades.
- Historical neglect of hill areas has created a sense of alienation and marginalisation.
These unresolved grievances act as a constant trigger, making even minor incidents escalate rapidly.
2. Ethnic Polarisation and Social Segregation
Violence has led to physical and psychological separation between communities.
- Mixed localities have turned into ethnically homogeneous zones.
- Social interaction, trade, and communication have collapsed.
This segregation reinforces mutual suspicion, making reconciliation increasingly difficult and sustaining the cycle of hostility.
3. Proliferation of Arms and Militias
- Large-scale looting of weapons from state armouries has empowered non-state actors.
- Emergence of community-based militias and insurgent groups.
Once armed, groups tend to adopt a security dilemma mindset—each side arms itself for protection, which the other perceives as a threat, leading to further militarisation.
4. Weak Governance and Institutional Failure
- Initial administrative inaction allowed violence to spread.
- Inconsistent law enforcement has reduced deterrence.
- Limited state presence in conflict zones creates power vacuums.
As a result, non-state actors begin to exercise parallel authority, weakening the rule of law.
5. Trust Deficit and Perception of Bias
- Sections of society perceive the state machinery as partial or ineffective.
- Lack of impartial justice delivery deepens resentment.
This erosion of trust discourages communities from cooperating with authorities, prolonging instability.
6. External and Geopolitical Factors
- Proximity to the India–Myanmar border facilitates:
- Movement of armed groups
- Illegal arms trafficking
- Refugee inflows
These factors introduce new actors and resources into the conflict, sustaining violence beyond local dynamics.
7. Role of Misinformation and Media
- Spread of fake news, rumours, and hate speech through social media
- Amplification of grievances and mobilisation of mobs
Even when violence subsides, misinformation can reignite tensions, restarting the cycle.
8. Inadequate Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
- Lack of sustained political dialogue among stakeholders
- Absence of institutional frameworks for reconciliation
Without addressing root causes, temporary peace remains fragile, leading to recurring flare-ups.
9. Economic and Developmental Imbalances
- Unequal development between hill and valley regions
- Limited employment opportunities
Economic distress makes youth more vulnerable to mobilisation by militant groups, perpetuating unrest.
Implications of Continued Violence
1. Humanitarian Crisis
- Large-scale internal displacement with thousands living in relief camps
- Loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods
- Rise in psychological trauma, especially among women and children
- Disruption of education and healthcare services
2. Breakdown of Law and Order
- Weakening of state authority and administrative control
- Proliferation of armed militias and vigilante groups
- Looting of weapons leading to long-term insecurity
- Reduced public trust in institutions like police and administration
3. Deepening Ethnic Divide
- Physical and social segregation between communities
- Long-term trust deficit making reconciliation difficult
- Radicalisation and consolidation of identity-based politics
4. National Security Concerns
- Instability in the strategically sensitive Northeast region
- Increased vulnerability due to proximity to international borders (especially Myanmar)
- Potential revival or strengthening of insurgent groups
- Threat to India’s Act East Policy and regional connectivity projects
5. Economic Consequences
- Disruption of local economy and trade routes
- Decline in investment and development activities
- Increased fiscal burden on government for relief and security
6. Governance and Political Impact
- Administrative paralysis in conflict-affected areas
- Weakening of democratic processes and representation
- Allegations of bias can erode legitimacy of the government
7. Social Fabric and National Integration
- Erosion of unity in diversity
- Creation of long-term inter-generational hostility
- Undermining the idea of cooperative federalism
Government Response: Assessment
Positive Steps
- Deployment of central security forces
- Relief camps and humanitarian assistance
- Peace committee formation
Limitations
- Reactive rather than preventive approach
- Lack of inclusive dialogue
- Inadequate trust-building measures
Way Forward
1. Immediate Measures
- Disarmament drives
- Strengthening security presence in vulnerable areas
- Safe rehabilitation of displaced persons
2. Political Dialogue
- Inclusive talks involving all stakeholders
- Neutral mediation mechanisms
- Confidence-building measures
3. Administrative Reforms
- Balanced development of hill and valley regions
- Land and resource-sharing frameworks
- Transparent governance
4. Long-Term Structural Solutions
- Address identity and autonomy concerns
- Border management and migration regulation
- Counter misinformation strategies
Conclusion
The Manipur crisis highlights how unresolved ethnic tensions can escalate into prolonged violence when governance mechanisms falter. Breaking the cycle requires not only restoring law and order but also rebuilding trust, ensuring justice, and fostering inclusive political solutions. A calibrated mix of security, dialogue, and development is essential to ensure lasting peace.
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