"Escalating Manipur violence" discussed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 02 2026:
In support of the recent mass rally held in Manipur, the Meitei Alliance (MA), in collaboration with the Meitei Heritage Society (MHS), organised a panel discussion titled "Escalating Manipur Violence: Core Faultlines" in New Delhi on October 31 .
The discussion brought together journalists, academics, security experts, civil society representatives, lawyers and students to deliberate on the underlying faultlines of the ongoing crisis and explore possible pathways towards peace and reconciliation, said a joint statement issued by MA and MHS .
During the programme, the participants cautioned against viewing the crisis solely through a narrow security-centric or ethnic lens.
The discussion was attended by senior journalist Subir Bhaumik, retired Lieutenant general Himalay Singh; Dr Arambam Noni, Associate Professor at DM University, Imphal; Dr AC Kharingpam, Associate Professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi; Rajat Sethi, former Advisor to the Chief Minister of Manipur; and representatives of Delhi-based civil society organisations, lawyers and students.
Following extensive deliberations, the discussion highlighted several key observations and recommendations on promoting co-existence, cracking down on armed groups, revisiting the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact between the Goverenment and Kuki militant groups and eliminating drug economy among others, MA and MHS said.
Reconciliation and the imperative of a shared future
The participants observed that the people of Manipur have no alternative to reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
The failure of communal coexistence in Manipur would also reflect a failure of India's Constitutional commitment to unity in diversity.
Manipur must demonstrate that communities with distinct ethnic identities and historical experiences can coexist peacefully.
Impartial crackdown on armed groups
An impartial and comprehensive crackdown on armed groups, irrespective of their ethnic affiliation or community background is imperative.
The continued circulation and use of illegal weapons remain major obstacles to peace.
The rule of law must be enforced equally, without exception or discrimination.
Ethnic territorial reorganisation not a sustainable solution
The discussion cautioned against creating new territories along ethnic lines as a means of resolving the crisis.
Territorial fragmentation cannot address the underlying issues of identity, security and inter-community relations, as demonstrated by the experience of Assam.
Drug economy and cross-border networks
The participants observed that vested interest groups, including individuals from Myanmar, exert influence through the drug economy and illicit narcotics networks, contributing to instability.
They recommended the use of technology-driven measures, including drones, satellite imagery and aerial surveillance, to eliminate illicit poppy cultivation, alongside action against financial and trafficking networks.
Reassessing the deployment of Assam Rifles
The role of Assam Rifles was identified as a factor contributing to growing mistrust among the people.
The participants called on the Government to reassess its deployment, cautioning that prolonged deployment in a highly polarised environment could create institutional challenges and undermine public confidence.
Revisiting the Suspension of Operations framework
The participants observed that the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework had failed to achieve its intended objectives.
They called on the Government to reassess the framework, examine its implementation and ensure that any arrangement with armed groups demonstrably contributes to neutrality, disarmament and accountability.
The overarching message emerging from the discussion was that the Manipur crisis demands a comprehensive political and societal response rather than a narrow security-centric or ethnic approach, it said.
The statement emphasised that security measures alone cannot deliver lasting peace, just as political negotiations without accountability and impartial law enforcement cannot restore public confidence.
The Government, civil society organisations, intellectuals, community leaders and the wider public share a collective responsibility to create the conditions necessary for meaningful dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, it said.
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