Violence in Manipur, which has flared up again, is a stark reminder that the ethnic conflict in the state remains unresolved and continues to cast a shadow. The situation, which began in May 2023, has devolved into near civil war-like conditions, with brutal and violent flare-ups that defy containment. The conflict is a painful reflection of deeper systemic issues in the region ~ specifically, the unresolved tensions surrounding land rights and the historical neglect of tribal concerns.

Despite the Northeast’s integration into the Indian Union over the past 77 years, Manipur remains a region where political, social, and economic fault lines run deep. Its geographical isolation and long history of ethnic strife have made it a unique challenge for successive governments at the Centre. Yet, the latest spurt in violence indicates that more than integration efforts are needed ~ there must be a fundamental shift toward reconciliation, reform, and........

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