After more than three years of violence, displacement and loss of lives, Manipur is finally witnessing signs of a more determined security response in some of the state’s most volatile regions. While the recent intensification of operations by security forces cannot undo the suffering endured by thousands of families since May 2023, it offers a glimmer of hope that the state may at last be moving towards a more balanced and effective enforcement of law and order.
For much of the conflict period, public perception has been shaped by the belief that armed groups were able to operate with relative freedom in several hill districts. The existence of fortified bunkers, armed positions and recurring reports of militant movement had fuelled concerns about the state’s ability to assert its authority. The latest operations, therefore, represent more than routine security measures; they signal an acknowledgment that restoring peace requires active intervention in all conflict-affected areas without exception.
The destruction of 26 bunkers in the Litan sector of Ukhrul district over two days is a notable development. The fact that such fortified positions existed in sensitive areas underscores the extent to which the conflict landscape has evolved over the past three years. Dismantling these structures is an important step, but it also raises difficult questions. How were these positions allowed to remain for so long? How many similar bunkers continue to exist elsewhere? And what measures are being taken to ensure they are not rebuilt?
The expansion of coordinated cordon-and-search operations across Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Thoubal districts indicates a broader security strategy aimed at reclaiming vulnerable areas and preventing armed groups from regrouping. The deployment of additional CoBRA units further demonstrates that authorities now recognise the scale of the challenge.
Equally significant is the reported message from Director General of Police Mukesh Singh encouraging police personnel and assuring recognition for those actively engaged in operations to contain violence. At a time when security personnel have often found themselves operating under intense pressure and public scrutiny, such encouragement may help boost morale and reinforce operational commitment. The conflict has not only tested the resilience of civilians but also stretched the capacities of the security apparatus.
Yet optimism must be tempered with realism. The success of these operations cannot be measured merely by the number of bunkers destroyed or weapons recovered. The true test lies in whether the state can dismantle the networks that sustain violence and restore public confidence across communities.
One of the most persistent concerns remains the alleged activities of armed groups operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements. Despite repeated allegations from various quarters regarding violations of ground rules, there has been little visible action against those accused of breaching the terms of these arrangements. If peace is to be restored, enforcement must be even-handed and transparent. Any perception that certain groups enjoy immunity while others face scrutiny risks undermining public trust and prolonging resentment.
The people of Manipur have waited far too long for decisive action. Every fresh killing, every armed confrontation and every displacement has deepened wounds that will take years to heal. Security operations, however necessary, are only one part of the solution. They must be accompanied by accountability, political dialogue, rehabilitation of affected communities and a clear commitment to the rule of law.
The recent operations suggest that the state is beginning to reclaim lost ground. That is a welcome development. But after three years of conflict, Manipur needs more than symbolic action. It needs consistent enforcement, impartial governance and a peace process that addresses the root causes of violence. Only then can the current operations be remembered not as another temporary security exercise, but as the beginning of a genuine return to stability.
