Manipur Conflict: National Security Optics Versus Real Solutions

Manipur Conflict: National Security Optics Versus Real Solutions

Syllabus:

GS-2:

Poverty and Developmental Issues

GS-3:

Communalism , Issues Related to SCs & STs , Issues Related to Minorities , Government Policies & Interventions , Pressure Groups , North East Insurgency

Focus:

The Manipur conflict, now in its second year, continues without a clear political resolution, despite massive human suffering, including the displacement of thousands and the loss of over 250 lives. The central government’s muted response, especially when compared to its reaction to other national security crises, has come under intense scrutiny. Recent events, including the imposition of President’s Rule and half-hearted arms surrender exercises, highlight the lack of sincere political engagement and long-term strategy to resolve the ethnic and security crisis.

Understanding the National Apathy:

Disproportionate National Attention

• The Prime Minister’s refusal to visit Manipur contrasts sharply with his swift response to the Pahalgam terror strike.
• Despite severe consequences like internally displaced persons, Manipur has not received high-priority attention at the national level.

• The national discourse continues to focus on more media-sensational conflicts, ignoring internal humanitarian crises like in Manipur.

Humanitarian Crisis Ignored

• Over 250 lives lost and thousands displaced.
• Makeshift relief camps housing displaced persons for more than two years.
• Yet, the issue remains off the central political radar, reflecting a pattern of neglect toward northeastern states.

Delhi’s Northeast Policy: Security Over Substance

Historical Context and Strategic Irrelevance

• Unlike Kashmir, Manipur lacks direct entanglement with India’s external enemies.
• Support from countries like China and Pakistan to insurgent groups has significantly diminished.

• Consequently, the state does not qualify as a ‘hot zone’ in India’s strategic outlook.

Manufacturing Security Narratives

• Valley-based groups have attempted to create false narratives around threats from Kuki armed groups in Myanmar.
• One case cited 900 militants with rocket launchers, which failed to materialize.

• These attempts were used as pretexts for offensive actions and to mobilize majoritarian sentiment.

Overlooking Internal Insurgencies

• Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) have been empowered, effectively outsourcing law and order.
• This violates prior gains like Operation All-Clear (2004), which had neutralized these groups.

• The “buffer zone” enforced after Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit has failed to ensure genuine security.

Obsolete Security Thinking and Border Fencing:

Border Fencing Overdrive

• ₹31,000 crore allocated to fence the India-Myanmar border, especially the 398 km Manipur stretch.
• The move is not rooted in current threats and is perceived as pork-barrel politics.

• Ethnic communities like Nagas and Mizos have strongly opposed this decision.

Disconnect with Act East Policy

• Fencing contradicts India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East”
• It alienates trans-border ethnic communities, undermining cultural and economic ties.

Security for Optics, Not Capability

• India’s national security policies are driven more by optics and political theatrics than actual capability building.
• Lack of focus on modernization, intelligence gathering, or counterinsurgency capacity.

• Limited real follow-up after surrender of 6,000+ arms; over 2,000 remain unaccounted for.

Arms Surrender: Cosmetic or Constructive?

Hollow Arms Surrender Exercises

• 246 weapons surrendered by Arambai Tenggol, a militia accused of atrocities.
• Mostly country-made guns, with no follow-up action against defaulters.

• No serious enforcement of the Arms Act, highlighting lack of accountability.

Ethnic Security Dilemma Persists

• Easy availability of arms continues to feed ethnic insecurity.
• The State’s failure to provide credible security guarantees perpetuates a cycle of violence.

• The February 2025 imposition of President’s Rule was more about political survival than resolving conflict.

Breaking the Impasse: What Needs to Change

Need for Political Reorientation

• Law and order stabilisation must be followed by inclusive political engagement.

• May 3 commemorations by rival ethnic groups as ‘Separation Day’ and ‘Remembrance Day’ signal the need for truth and reconciliation frameworks.

From Political Optics to Structural Reforms

• Current policy is about regime consolidation, not conflict resolution.
• A shift is needed from token gestures to sincere negotiations, focusing on:
  • Devolution of power
    
  • Ethnic inclusion
    
  • Community-based governance
    
  • Restoration of institutional trust

The Role of Civil Society and Federalism

• Civil society groups must be involved in peace processes.

• A multilevel federal framework, as advocated by experts, can promote sustainable peace and decentralised governance.

Conclusion:

The conflict in Manipur is not just an ethnic issue—it reflects the failure of national security policy, driven more by political optics than by strategic intent. Fencing, arms surrender, and buffer zones are inadequate responses to a deep-rooted crisis demanding political empathy, federal restructuring, and institutional trust-building. Manipur’s peace lies not in temporary fixes but in a durable political process that addresses the historical grievances, ensures security, and promotes ethnic harmony.

Source: TH

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the paradox in the central government’s approach to the Manipur conflict in contrast to other national security crises. How can a federal and inclusive political framework contribute to long-term peace in the Northeast? Suggest reforms to address the ethnic and security challenges in Manipur.