Manipur must chart its own path toward peace

The observance of Khongjom Day each year stands as a solemn reminder of the indomitable courage and undying patriotism of our ancestors. In 1891, the warriors of Manipur faced the British Empire in the battlefield of Khongjom, and others knowing well that defeat was imminent. Yet, they fought—undaunted, unwavering, and ready to lay down their lives for the dignity of the erstwhile kingdom. That unyielding spirit, which once flowed through the veins of every Manipuri, now seems to be waning amidst the prolonged internal crisis and a deepening sense of disillusionment.
The last 24 months have been marked by an unprecedented ethnic conflict between the Meetei and Kuki communities, leaving behind a trail of loss, displacement, and despair. And yet, what is most painful is not just the lack of resolution but the disturbing silence and apathy from the very centre of power that claims to represent the unity of this nation.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi return to India cutting short his diplomatic visit to Soudi Arabia and swiftly condemned the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir just days ago, many in Manipur were reminded of his chilling silence in November last year, when six women, including three minors, were kidnapped and murdered at Jiribam. Such selective empathy is not just hurtful—it is a message. It tells us that the suffering of Manipur does not command the same urgency, the same compassion, or the same action.
It is clear now that the Indian state has no intention of resolving this crisis unless it serves its larger political or strategic interests. While the flames of communal and ethnic tensions burn across our land, attempts at genuine dialogue, equitable intervention, or long-term peace-building remain glaringly absent. Instead, the people are left to fend for themselves, trapped between militarisation and political neglect.
This raises the most urgent question of our time: Must we continue to rely on a system that shows no interest in our peace, our future, or our dignity? Or is it time for the people of Manipur to take ownership of their own path to peace?
The answer lies in a collective awakening—a return to the spirit of Khongjom. Just as our ancestors resisted external control to protect their land and people, so too must we now confront the present crisis with resolve. This is not a call for rebellion or secession. It is a call for accountability, agency, and unity. It is a call for Manipur to begin imagining and building solutions from within.
Community-led peace initiatives, inter-ethnic dialogues, and the revival of traditional conflict resolution systems must be prioritised. Civil society, student unions, local clubs, religious leaders, and women’s groups—who have long been the backbone of Manipuri resilience—must now take center stage. These stakeholders understand the social fabric better than any bureaucrat in Delhi or any negotiator flown in for photo opportunities. If peace is to return, it must be rooted in local realities and led by local voices.
Simultaneously, we must not shy away from confronting difficult truths. There have been wrongs on all sides, and healing cannot begin without acknowledging the pain inflicted across communities. Justice must be pursued, but with a spirit of reconciliation—not revenge. The goal must be coexistence, not domination.
It is also essential that the political leadership in Manipur, across party lines, rise above partisan interests and present a united front. The question of territorial integrity, of constitutional protection, of security and rights for all communities—these cannot be reduced to political slogans or election manifestos. They must form the core of a serious, homegrown peace roadmap.
October 1949, when Manipur merged with the Indian Union, marked a turning point in our political destiny. Today, we face another such moment. It is no longer viable to wait for New Delhi to fix what it neither understands nor prioritises. The time has come for Manipur to lead itself out of this crisis.
Khongjom Day is not merely a commemoration—it is a call to action. Let us honour the spirit of our forebears not with empty speeches, but with the courage to seek peace by our own hands. Let the legacy of sacrifice become the foundation of a new future—one built not on fear or dependence, but on unity, dignity, and self-determination.