Setback in Delhi Talk – Jiribam Police Station Attack Exposes Fragility

The recent attack on a police station in Jiribam district by suspected Kuki insurgents highlights the deepening crisis in Manipur. This violent episode not only exacerbates the fragile situation but also shows the failure of recent political discussion which happened in Delhi involving the state’s MLAs. The meeting, which many had hoped would in future chart a path toward stability, now seems to fruitless at the very beginning.
Jiribam’s strategic location near the Assam border has made it increasingly vulnerable to terroristic actions. The latest assault involved militants firing on the police station in Borobekra subdivision. While no major casualties have been reported, the incident has severely affected morale among law enforcement and heightened public anxiety. This attack is not an isolated event but part of a broader escalation, reflecting the Kuki militants’ intent to challenge state authority in new areas outside their usual strongholds.
The timing of this incident couldn’t be worse. The Delhi meeting between Manipur’s MLAs was expected to offer a path tangible solutions to the ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Instead, the apparent lack of consensus has emboldened violent elements, weakening the state’s authority further. The attack in Jiribam sends a message that efforts at political dialogue are failing to resonate with groups on the ground, especially those pushing for a separate Kuki administration.
The state must now reconsider its approach to both governance and conflict resolution. Central intervention has so far yielded little progress, and the growing disconnect between the political leadership and realities on the ground threatens to spiral into uncontrollable violence.
This attack in Jiribam symbolizes more than just an assault on a police station; it is a direct challenge to the state’s ability to govern effectively. The failure of the Delhi discussions casts a long shadow over the political establishment, raising doubts about the seriousness of these efforts. To restore stability, political leaders must not only engage with each other more meaningfully but also reconnect with the grievances fueling such militancy.
Without decisive action, including meaningful negotiations that address both security and political autonomy concerns, Manipur risks plunging into deeper chaos. The time for reactive measures is over—what is needed is a proactive, sustainable plan that brings all stakeholders to the table. Anything less would only embolden insurgents and deepen the mistrust among communities, ensuring that the cycle of violence continues unchecked.