28/10/2025
Restoring peace in Manipur requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses immediate security issues, facilitates dialogue among ethnic groups, supports humanitarian relief, and invests in reconciliation and long-term justice. Key stakeholders—including the central and state governments, civil society, and grassroots communities—must all play a role. The Indian central government has implemented a phased roadmap including surrendering of illegal weapons, reopening roads, and curbing armed groups' activities to restore law and order. These efforts must continue until militias are disarmed and free movement across the state is restored for all communities.
The imposition of President’s Rule means the federal government now has direct control and should urgently facilitate security and neutral law enforcement acceptable to both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.Preventing future violence will also require dismantling buffer zones that physically and psychologically separate communities, and ensuring impartial access to state resources and institutions.Dialogue and Inclusive Peace ProcessesThere is wide consensus that meaningful talks involving all stakeholders are critical—this means not just government and insurgent reps, but also civil society, women’s groups, and youth voices. The newly created peace committees should be representative of both main ethnic groups (Meitei and Kuki-Zo), as well as minority interests, women, and youth. Civil society should help independently monitor and facilitate these dialogues.The government must address root causes and grievances—including land rights, political power-sharing, and allegations of discrimination—to build trust and arrive at a sustainable settlement.
Indigenous women’s networks and grassroots organizations have played a vital role in relief and peacebuilding, such as establishing relief camps and initiatives like “Peace Gardens” and scholarships for violence-affected youth. Empowering and mainstreaming these groups can speed healing and trust-building efforts. Long-term peace requires trauma counseling, legal aid, rehabilitation for displaced and widowed families, and support for intercommunity dialogue at local levels.Socio-Economic and Political InitiativesEmpowering youth—through education, employment, and engaging them as peace ambassadors—can help break cycles of violence.
Addressing illegal migration, drug-related issues, and the economic causes of mistrust should form part of the broader policy approach.
Independent inquiries into violence and crimes, under joint oversight of both civil society and impartial government agencies, are needed to ensure accountability and justice for victims.Legal, social, and welfare protections for women, minorities, and the displaced must be strengthened during the peace implementation phase. Promoting inter-ethnic and multireligious cultural activities will help foster understanding. For example, community theatre and grassroots initiatives can bridge divides and promote self-determination and peace.In conclusion, peace in Manipur hinges on a combination of disarmament, inclusive dialogue, trauma support, justice, economic opportunity, and sustained government and civil society partnership. Successful examples from Manipur—such as women-led peacebuilding and multi-community relief—should be scaled up and supported by official policy at all levels.
