The Escalating Threat to Manipur’s Educational Spaces

The recent surge in bombings in residential areas and university campuses, alongside the growing threats to educational institutions in Manipur, is a troubling indication of the deepening crisis in our society. Since the violence that erupted on May 3 last year, the militarization of the state has escalated, turning once peaceful and secure spaces into zones of fear and uncertainty. This disturbing trend not only threatens the fabric of our education system but also reveals the glaring incapacity and weakness of the state apparatus in dealing with this complex situation.
The sanctity of educational institutions has been deeply compromised. Universities and schools, traditionally considered safe havens for learning and intellectual growth, have now become targets in a battle that seems to have lost all moral bearings. The very act of targeting educational spaces with violence—be it through bombings, threats, or other forms of intimidation—is an attack on the future of our society. It sends a chilling message that education, the bedrock of progress and development, is now collateral damage in a larger conflict.
The state’s inability to protect these institutions is a stark reminder of its declining authority and legitimacy. The government’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, especially in places where the youth, the future leaders of the state, gather to learn and grow. However, the repeated failures to prevent such attacks, coupled with the lack of accountability, have eroded public confidence in the state’s capacity to maintain law and order.
This erosion of trust extends beyond the state’s apparatus. The non-state actors involved in these acts of violence are also on the path to losing their legitimacy. By targeting civilians and educational institutions, these groups are alienating the very population they claim to represent or fight for. Their actions, far from advancing any cause, are only fostering an environment of fear, mistrust, and division. In a society already fractured by ethnic and political tensions, these acts of violence are not only counterproductive but also morally indefensible.
The consequences of this militarization and the accompanying violence are far-reaching. If this trajectory continues, both the state and the non-state actors will face a severe crisis of legitimacy. The people of Manipur are not blind to the realities on the ground. They see the state’s failure to protect its citizens and the reckless disregard for human life exhibited by those perpetuating the violence. As these actors lose their moral authority, they risk becoming irrelevant in the eyes of the people, who increasingly long for peace, stability, and the restoration of normalcy.
It is imperative that the state takes decisive action to regain control and restore confidence among the populace. This includes not only bolstering security around educational institutions but also addressing the root causes of the conflict through dialogue, reconciliation, and justice. The non-state actors, on their part, must recognize the futility of their violent tactics and cease their attacks on civilian spaces, particularly educational institutions.
In the end, the future of Manipur depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders—state and non-state—to move away from violence and towards a peaceful resolution of differences. The legitimacy of any authority, be it governmental or otherwise, hinges on its ability to protect and promote the well-being of the people. Continued violence against educational institutions and residential areas will only serve to delegitimize those involved, leaving a legacy of mistrust, fear, and instability that will take years to heal.