The continued silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah on Manipur has baffled everyone. Both Meitei and Kukis feel let down by New Delhi. Three years into the conflict, there is still no consensus on the way forward.

According to a Manipur home department report tabled in the state assembly, 28,899 people are in relief camps and temporary shelters as internally displaced persons (IDPs), as of September 2026. Attacks on civilians by armed groups intensified in August–September. In targeted killings over a 30-day period in August–September, 23 civilians were killed in the hill districts, forcing villagers to take refuge in nearby paddy fields and forests.

For Meiteis, the situation has improved in Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley and the trouble is now confined to the hills where Nagas and Kukis reside. Kukis believe Meiteis and Nagas have colluded against them. Meanwhile, Nagas—who share their home and faith with Kukis—are hedging their bets.

“Violence has resurfaced in the hills despite AFSPA being in force. Why is the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups not being implemented in the hills?” asked Mayengbam Dhananjay, spokesperson for the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, an umbrella coalition of major Meitei civil society organisations.

Some leaders with skin in the game see a way out of the current mess. Sourabh Sen spoke to Pramot Singh of Meitei Leepun and to Paolienlal Haokip, spokesperson for Kuki Inpi Manipur, to get........

© National Herald