State Failure and Escalating Violence: Manipur’s Ongoing Crisis

The attack on Koutruk, Singda, and Kadangband by Kuki militants is part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued the region since last year. The state’s inability to restore peace and stability is contributing to the unending cycle of violence.
Since the outbreak of ethnic violence last year, Manipur has been caught in a downward spiral of bloodshed and chaos. Despite the deployment of state and central forces, the situation remains dire, with innocent lives being lost in the crossfire. The attack on Koutruk Maning Ching, where Surbala was fatally shot, is a grim reflection of the law and order breakdown in the state. It raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the state’s response and its capacity to protect its citizens.
The ongoing violence between the Kukis and Meiteis is not a new phenomenon, but the state’s handling of the crisis has been woefully inadequate. Instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict—such as ethnic tensions, historical grievances, and socio-economic disparities—the state has relied on a reactive approach that has done little to quell the unrest. The deployment of additional troops after each violent incident may provide temporary relief, but it does not offer a long-term solution to the underlying issues.
The repeated failures of the state to prevent such attacks and protect civilians have only fueled further mistrust and animosity between the communities. The lack of a coherent strategy to address the violence has left Manipur’s residents in a perpetual state of fear and uncertainty. The state’s inability to engage in meaningful dialogue and mediation between the conflicting parties has allowed the violence to fester and escalate.
Moreover, the state’s focus on militarization as a solution to the conflict has exacerbated the situation. While the presence of security forces is necessary to maintain order, it cannot substitute for effective governance and conflict resolution. The state must take responsibility for its role in perpetuating the violence and work towards a sustainable peace that addresses the concerns of all communities involved.
The ongoing violence in Manipur is a direct consequence of the state’s failure to govern effectively and to address the root causes of the conflict. The death of Angom Surbala is the cost of this failure. It is imperative that the state moves beyond short-term fixes and takes concrete steps to resolve the conflict, restore peace, and ensure the safety of its citizens.