The past two years have been rough for Manipur. Ethnic tensions between the Meiteis and Kukis have all but destroyed the social fabric of the state. The scale of the violence seen in Manipur since 2023 has shocked Indians at large, as it should. For someone born and brought up in the Northeast, the violence was shocking, yet hardly surprising.

It is no secret that ethnic tensions and communal distrust plagues not just Manipur, but many other north-eastern states. Unfortunately, the wider Indian population is simply not aware of the ground realities and complex social equations of this region. For most, the Northeast is nothing more than a tourism hotspot replete with exotic beauty. Amidst this demographic, the urge to pin all blame on government ineptitude comes instinctively. And that is a flawed way of looking at all things Northeast.

Manipur is no stranger to social strife, unrest, and—most infamous of them all—blockades. For decades, the state has suffered under the weight of curfews, bandhs, and ethnic tensions, disrupting daily life, economic activities, and essential supplies.

However, a striking contrast emerged after 2014, when Manipur experienced an extended period of relative peace and stability. The once-frequent disruptions that had plagued the state saw a significant decline, allowing economic and infrastructural development to gain momentum. Improved governance, better law enforcement, and efforts to foster dialogue among........

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