Ongoing Crisis in Manipur
The Manipur conflict has completed two years with over 250 deaths and thousands displaced.
Despite the scale of the crisis, it hasn't received strong national attention or high-level political engagement.
Prime Minister Modi has not visited the state, contrasting with his quick response to other national security issues like the Pahalgam terror attack.
National Security Lens and Bias
New Delhi often views the Northeast, including Manipur, through a national security perspective rather than a humanitarian or political one.
Unlike Kashmir, Manipur isn’t seen as a major external threat, so it receives less urgency.
Valley-based groups and state actors have pushed narratives blaming Kuki militants from across the Myanmar border, often exaggerating threats for political purposes.
Meanwhile, threats from valley-based insurgent groups (VBIGs) have been downplayed despite their growing influence.
Misguided Security Measures
The Indian government is investing heavily in border fencing with Myanmar and pushing to revoke the free movement regime, seen as outdated and unpopular among border communities like the Nagas and Mizos.
Many actions appear more about political optics and benefiting certain groups (e.g., contractors) than real security reform.
Attempts like arms surrender events are more symbolic than effective — many weapons surrendered are outdated or fake, and follow-up action is lacking.
What Needs to Change
Real, inclusive political dialogue with all communities is needed to restore peace and trust.
Law and order cannot improve unless the state ensures genuine security, including disarming violent groups on all sides.
President’s Rule, imposed in February 2025, may provide a chance to reset governance, but only if followed by real political and security reform.
Long-term peace depends on moving beyond shallow political gestures to genuine engagement and institution-building.
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