Manipur in Turmoil: Governor’s Inaction Fuels Infighting

Manipur today finds itself trapped in a dangerous and worsening spiral. What began as a conflict between communities has now morphed into something even more alarming—infighting within the very groups that once claimed to protect their people and territories. In both Imphal and Churachandpur, these armed formations, formed in the name of self-defence, have turned against one another. The consequences for ordinary civilians, both in the valley and in the hills, are devastating. For them, the promise of protection has collapsed into fear and insecurity.
This grave deterioration comes at a time when the state has no functioning government. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned more than a month ago. Since then, Manipur has been under the direct control of the Governor, with the state government in a condition of suspended animation. All administrative and constitutional powers rest with the Governor. This arrangement was supposed to bring clarity, decisiveness, and steps toward reconciliation. Instead, it has delivered silence, drift, and now—infighting.
The Governor, as the constitutional head of the state, cannot escape responsibility for this dangerous breakdown. With full powers at his disposal for more than a month, not a single step has been taken to initiate dialogue, build confidence, or even establish basic security coordination between armed groups and the administration. The worsening law and order situation is not just a symptom of longstanding tensions—it is also a direct result of political vacuum and administrative negligence.
The infighting now emerging is not simply a matter of internal disputes among volunteers. It is a sign of deepening despair, of leaders and fighters who no longer see any larger goal or coordination. When communities feel abandoned by both the state and the centre, when there is no political roadmap, and when basic trust erodes even among one’s own ranks, violence turns inward. This was entirely preventable. Yet the Governor’s office has remained largely unresponsive.
The people of Manipur—already living under trauma from nearly a year of ethnic conflict—are left to fend for themselves yet again. Displacement continues. Daily life remains crippled. Supplies are restricted, transport is unsafe, education is disrupted, and fear pervades every district. What is even more tragic is that those once hailed as protectors are now a source of insecurity for their own people. But when the state fails to set limits, build frameworks, or provide leadership, such breakdowns are inevitable.
The Governor’s role is not merely to manage files or serve as a placeholder until a new government is formed. He is the custodian of constitutional order, responsible for restoring governance when elected institutions falter. In this, he has failed. The central government, too, must take note: silence from Raj Bhavan reflects not neutrality, but abdication.
Manipur needs leadership—bold, compassionate, and committed. The time for passive administration has long passed. With infighting now adding to the chaos, the path to peace and recovery grows harder by the day. It is time for the Governor to act, or for the Centre to rethink who holds the reins in this troubled state.