Three Years After Manipur Violence: A Complex Legacy of Conflict

A Troubling Anniversary

On a Sunday morning in Imphal, three years after the onset of violence in Manipur, a low-intensity IED explosion near a crematorium close to the airport's cargo terminal briefly disrupted the city's fragile peace.

This incident did not incite panic or lead to further unrest, but it served as a stark reminder that the conflict, which began on May 3, 2023, remains unresolved.

As the state marks the third anniversary of the turmoil, the atmosphere is characterized not by closure but by remembrance and contention.

Demonstrations in the valley, memorials in the hills, and gatherings organized by civil society groups each reflect their unique perspectives on the events and their causes.

The outcome is not a unified moment of reflection but rather a tapestry of sorrow, frustration, and unanswered questions.

From Chaos to Stalemate

The unrest that began during a "Tribal Solidarity March" in 2023 quickly escalated into one of the most severe ethnic conflicts in Manipur's recent history.

Entire neighborhoods were abandoned, homes were set ablaze, and thousands were displaced as clashes intensified between Meitei groups in the valley and Kuki-Zo communities in the hills.

In the aftermath, the state transitioned from chaos to a semblance of control. Security forces were deployed, weapons were confiscated, and arrests were made. While large-scale violence diminished, it was replaced by a stalemate rather than peace.

Today, Manipur is marked by division. The hills and valleys, once interconnected through trade and daily life, now operate as separate entities.

Temporary buffer zones established for security have solidified into de facto borders, deepening not only territorial divides but also a lack of trust.

The Facade of Normalcy

In Imphal, markets have reopened, schools are operational, and traffic flows along familiar routes. However, beneath this facade of normalcy, sporadic incidents of gunfire, arrests, and weapon recoveries continue to occur, serving as a constant reminder of unresolved tensions.

Civil society organizations argue that while the state has managed to contain violence, it has failed to address the root causes. Security measures may have stabilized the situation, but they have not resolved the underlying issues.

"Despite the government's efforts towards inclusive development and peace, tangible results are lacking. Incidents of violence, fatalities, and security operations persist in both hill and valley regions. Weapons are recovered daily, and arrests are ongoing, yet the fundamental issues remain unaddressed," states Nahakpam Shanta, spokesperson for COCOMI.

Calls for a "practical, field-based review" of government actions reflect a growing impatience, demanding not just intervention but also results.

"Today, we have organized a convention to assess the past three years—what has been accomplished, what remains undone, the extent of damage, funds utilized, and to reach a public consensus on how to move forward with both the State and Central governments," he adds.

Competing Narratives

The reality on the ground is fractured, and the narratives surrounding it are even more divided.

Some political leaders view the conflict not as an internal ethnic divide but as a result of external pressures, particularly concerns regarding illegal immigration and demographic shifts.

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has framed the crisis differently, arguing that it is misrepresented as an internal ethnic conflict. He attributes the unrest to "illegal infiltration" and demographic issues, asserting that Manipur's history is one of coexistence.

This perspective is vehemently rejected by many in the Kuki-Zo community, who hold his leadership accountable for the crisis.

This framing attempts to place the crisis within a broader national security context, but it resonates little with many in the Kuki-Zo community, who view the events of 2023 through a lens of marginalization, insecurity, and state failure.

The observance of "Separation Day" across Kuki-majority districts such as Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh on Sunday underscores this sentiment.

The message is clear: for many, coexistence no longer seems feasible. This is not merely a political stance; it is an emotional response rooted in trauma and shaped by three years of separation.

Governance Challenges

As differing narratives deepen, questions regarding governance have become increasingly pressing. Academic observers have pointed out what they describe as a failure of both State and Central governments to transition from crisis management to conflict resolution.

The concern extends beyond what has been accomplished to what remains unaddressed.

The slow pace of resettling internally displaced persons, continued reliance on buffer zones, and the absence of a clear reconciliation roadmap highlight a disconnect between administrative actions and political resolutions.

With the 2027 Assembly elections on the horizon, there is growing anxiety about the trajectory of political discourse.

There is a risk that discussions may shift towards blame and rhetoric rather than solutions, further entrenching divisions instead of bridging them.

Looking Ahead

Anniversaries often serve as moments of reflection, but in Manipur, this one feels more like a checkpoint than a conclusion.

The state has moved beyond the immediate violence, but its consequences linger. The wounds—physical, social, and psychological—remain unhealed. Trust, once shattered, shows little sign of restoration.

For now, peace is defined not by reconciliation but by restraint. As long as fundamental questions about identity, security, justice, and coexistence remain unanswered, Manipur's future will continue to be influenced by the unresolved tensions of its recent past.

Three years after May 3, while the violence may have faded from headlines, it continues to resonate in Manipur—in memory, in politics, and in the competing narratives that shape its present.