A Test of the State’s Commitment to Security

The surrender of weapons by Arambai Tengol and Village Volunteer Forces in response to the appeal made by the Governor of Manipur marks a significant moment in the ongoing security crisis in the state. For months, Manipur has been in turmoil, with large sections of the population forced to take up arms due to the failure of the state machinery to protect them. Now that these weapons have been surrendered, the onus is entirely on the government to ensure that the people are not left vulnerable once again. This moment, therefore, is a test of whether the state is finally willing and capable of fulfilling its fundamental duty of protecting its citizens.
The collapse of the Manipur police under the leadership of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who also held the Home portfolio, was a defining factor in the crisis. When large-scale violence erupted, the police force, instead of acting decisively, largely remained inactive. In numerous instances, police personnel were either absent or played the role of passive observers as armed militants attacked villages and towns. The failure of the police under Biren’s leadership was not just an institutional weakness; it was an outright abdication of responsibility. It left the civilian population with no choice but to organize itself for self-defense, leading to the rise of armed groups among ordinary citizens.
This failure of the police force under Biren Singh’s leadership was not accidental. It reflected a deeper problem within the governance structure of Manipur at the time. The state’s security apparatus, which should have acted as a neutral force to protect all communities, was instead paralyzed, possibly due to political interference, incompetence, or both. While the Chief Minister enjoyed the power associated with the Home Department, he did not exercise it in a way that ensured the safety of the people. The consequences of this negligence were tragic, as it allowed violence to escalate and deepen divisions within the state.
However, with Biren Singh now gone and the Governor taking charge of security matters, there is a renewed sense of hope that things may finally change. The Governor’s direct involvement in monitoring the situation suggests a shift in how security is being handled. Unlike the previous situation, where the police force failed to act, there is now an expectation that the security forces will be held accountable for their actions. The people of Manipur are hoping that the Governor’s oversight will translate into concrete measures on the ground—measures that ensure that every citizen, regardless of community or background, is protected from violence.
This hope must not be betrayed. The surrender of weapons by Arambai Tengol is a gesture that places trust in the government’s ability to protect the people. If, after this surrender, the state once again fails to act against those who threaten the lives and property of civilians, it will be a historic betrayal. Such a failure would not only lead to further erosion of trust in the state but could also force communities to reconsider their decision to disarm. The state cannot afford another collapse of security—this time, there can be no excuse.
The coming days will reveal whether the government is serious about restoring law and order or whether this is merely another symbolic gesture with no real impact.
Ultimately, this moment is not just about Arambai Tengol’s decision to surrender weapons—it is about whether the state is finally prepared to do its job. With Biren Singh gone, there are no more excuses for inaction or misgovernance. If the government fails again, the consequences will be severe, both for its credibility and for the safety of Manipur’s people.