Living with fear psychosis: The lingering divide in Manipur

Even as Manipur entered two years and 3 months of ethnic conflict, the state remains deeply fractured—not just geographically, but emotionally and socially. The recent incidents surrounding the safe recovery and handing over of two Kuki children found in a Meitei-dominated area, and the precarious movement of Meitei passengers along NH-102 at Mayangkhang, illustrate not just isolated moments of tension but a larger, more persistent fear psychosis that grips the people of both communities.
These instances, while seemingly managed with responsibility by local authorities and Village Defence Forces, highlight how deeply mistrust continues to run. The fact that two children had to be handed over with such caution—while commendable in execution—speaks volumes about the fragile fabric of inter-community relations. That simple, everyday actions—children walking through a village, passengers traveling along a highway—now require intervention, protection, and high-level verification reveals a society on edge.
What is even more concerning is the continuing inaccessibility of the two main National Highways—NH-2 and NH-37—for the Meitei and Kuki communities, depending on the region they are in. These roads, once lifelines for commerce, education, health services, and social connections, are now symbols of a divided state. For months, these routes have been unusable for either community, creating isolated pockets where fear dictates daily life, and movement is dictated not by need but by identity.
In such a scenario, the role of the government becomes paramount. Yet, the state administration has struggled to effectively address the core issues of mistrust, insecurity, and polarization. Security arrangements, while present, appear more reactive than preventive. The reopening of roads and the restoration of confidence should have been prioritized long ago through a combination of strategic dialogue, robust policing, and visible, bipartisan support. Instead, people have been left to live in uncertainty, relying on ad-hoc arrangements or risking their safety.
Amidst this bleak scenario, a glimmer of hope has emerged in the form of renewed civil society engagement. The initiative taken by civil society groups to engage in talks with the Thadou community leadership signals a crucial step forward. Dialogue remains the only sustainable path to peace, and civil society can play a bridging role where the state has faltered. It is encouraging that even after months of silence and hardened positions, conversations have begun again—however cautiously.
Yet, civil society must remain non-partisan and inclusive in its approach. The focus should not be on temporary firefighting but on laying down long-term processes for reconciliation. This includes involving all communities, especially those at the grassroots, in structured peace-building programs. The church, student bodies, women’s groups, and local clubs all have critical roles to play in resetting the narrative.
Manipur cannot afford to remain a land divided by mistrust. The fear psychosis that now defines everyday life is not sustainable. The state needs roads that are safe for all, neighborhoods that welcome children regardless of their ethnicity, and a governance system that inspires confidence—not fear. Healing must begin now, and it must begin with action—decisive, inclusive, and honest.