As Manipur marks the anniversary of the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, a sense of despair and disillusionment hangs over the valley. The streets of Imphal were tense again yesterday, with a flag march conducted in anticipation of possible unrest. However, questions arise—why was a flag march necessary at Kangla, the symbolic heartland of the Meitei community, which remains firmly under government control? What message does it send to a population already grappling with a growing sense of abandonment?
The underlying truth is stark: the Meitei population in the valley remains effectively cut off. All land routes leading out of the valley are either inaccessible or unsafe, turning what was once a vibrant region into a besieged territory. Two years into the ethnic strife, the state and central governments have failed to restore normalcy or ensure free movement and security across the state. The imposition of President’s Rule, which was expected to bring a semblance of neutrality and decisive intervention, has instead resulted in administrative stagnation. The Governor’s office, which should have functioned as a bridge between the Centre and the people, has failed to take any meaningful steps toward conflict resolution.
Worse still, no credible roadmap has emerged from either the state or the central government. Appeals for peace remain rhetorical. Committees have been formed, and visits by central leaders have come and gone, but the root causes of the conflict remain unaddressed. Trust between communities has eroded, and mistrust toward the government is at an all-time high.
One of the most contentious issues is the proposal for an alternative administrative arrangement, reportedly demanded by Kuki groups. For the Meitei population, such a division is unacceptable. It is perceived as a threat to the territorial integrity of the state—something they are unlikely ever to accept. On the other hand, Kuki groups have shown no signs of withdrawing their demand, further deepening the stalemate.
Meanwhile, the insurgency in the valley remains a critical, unresolved issue. Contrary to expectations, the prolonged conflict has neither weakened nor encircled Meitei insurgent groups. The state’s insecurity, particularly in the valley, has been exacerbated by Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the central government. This arrangement, initially intended to pave the way for peace, has instead created a dual power structure in the hills and failed to curb violence. Rather than facilitating de-escalation, it has contributed to the militarisation of ethnic lines.
For two years, the presence of central forces and multiple security operations has failed to deliver tangible peace. If the intention was to isolate and dismantle insurgency within the valley, the strategy has failed. If the aim was to enforce stability through neutrality, the reality has proven otherwise. The people of Manipur, particularly in the valley, feel more vulnerable than ever.
The silence from the central leadership on these sensitive matters is deeply concerning. It reflects either a lack of will or a lack of understanding of the ground realities. The longer this silence persists, the deeper the scars will run. For a population that has lived through decades of unrest, the current crisis is unlike anything seen before—because it threatens not just security, but identity, land, and the very idea of coexistence.
It is imperative that the central government move beyond mere symbolism and deploy political will. Confidence-building measures, a robust security realignment, and an open dialogue involving all communities—not just selective representation—must form the basis of a renewed peace process. There must also be a clear review of the SoO arrangements and their outcomes. An agreement that perpetuates conflict instead of resolving it urgently requires reevaluation.
Ultimately, the people of Manipur need assurance—real, visible action that their voices are heard, and their lives matter. Flag marches alone cannot restore peace. Kangla, for all its historic symbolism, should not become a stage for fear, but for resolution. On the eve of May 3, what the state needs is not more spectacle, but genuine steps toward a sustainable, inclusive future.