Increasing Demands for Peace in Manipur; Meiteis and Kukis Engage in Dialogue in Delhi
Two years have passed since the tension in Manipur kicked off in May 2023, yet the headlines are more focused on international wars and global crises. The Iran-Israel-US war and talks of a ceasefire has overshadowed the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, a state that continues to suffer.
February 13, 2023, marked the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur. While it's essential to acknowledge this significant event, it's the current situation that demands our attention, more so after the President's Rule's imposition.
Manipur has faced an unfortunate series of events since early 2023. The state has been torn apart by conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities, resulting in violence, displacement, and infrastructure disruption. This volatile situation persists, with barricades, bunkers, and invisible boundaries making daily life a struggle, especially in the hills and valleys.
The state has also faced an ecological disaster. Severe floods, landslides, and soil erosion, caused by heavy rains in 2024 and 2025, have wreaked havoc on the infrastructure, displacing thousands. A staggering 19,800 people have been affected, with critical transport routes like the Imphal-Jiribam highway being blocked.
However, there's a silver lining. The government is gearing up for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in July 2025, his first since the crisis erupted in May 2023. The visit promises inaugurations of completed projects, new announcements, and infrastructure improvements such as a new civil secretariat in Imphal West and repairs to roads and helipads in Churachandpur.
While the health situation in Manipur remains a challenge, the COVID-19 cases have stabilized, with 137,944 recoveries and 2,149 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. The health system has continued to work through the difficulties.
In essence, Manipur remains plagued by both communal violence and ecological crises. The ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities continues to cause issues. While President's Rule was imposed in early 2023, recent updates focus on the escalating problems and the government's efforts to restore stability and infrastructure. The upcoming visit by the Prime Minister signals a push towards addressing these issues and initiating new development projects.
Politicians and media outlets are discussing both international wars and conflicts, as well as the political implications of the President's Rule in Manipur, yet the ongoing general news about Manipur should not be overlooked, especially the volatile conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities and the ongoing ecological crises. Despite promises of infrastructure improvements and the Prime Minister's visit, the Manipur state continues to grapple with the aftermath of communal violence, heavy rains, floods, landslides, and soil erosion, making daily life a struggle for its residents.
