Peace Slowly Returning to Strife-Torn Manipur, Says Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Kargil Vijay Diwas

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has said that peace and normalcy are gradually returning to the strife-torn state, over a year after it was plunged into ethnic violence that has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands.

Speaking at an event in Imphal to mark the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Governor lauded the collective efforts of the government, armed forces, and civil society organisations in stabilising the situation.

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“Many have lost their lives and thousands have been rendered homeless due to the ethnic violence in Manipur. The government has taken several steps to resolve the crisis and rebuild public trust. Joint operations involving the state police and armed forces have successfully recovered a large cache of firearms and ammunition over the past few months,” Bhalla said.

The Governor noted that several insurgents involved in extortion and cyber-facilitated financial schemes—allegedly used to fund militant groups—have been arrested in recent crackdowns.

An anti-extortion cell and a confidential helpline have been launched by Manipur Police, in coordination with Central Forces, Assam Rifles, and the Army, to tackle unlawful demands and protect citizens.

To ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities such as food and medicines, multiple checkpoints have been set up across the hill and valley districts and along national highways. These efforts, combined with community outreach, are aimed at dismantling armed networks and restoring civil order, Bhalla said.

The Governor also highlighted steps being taken to address the humanitarian fallout of the conflict. “Several initiatives are underway to help displaced persons regain a sense of hope and rebuild their lives. The government has initiated dialogue with civil society organisations from Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities to facilitate voluntary resettlement of internally displaced people under inclusive and secure conditions,” he said.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid mounting pressure over his handling of the ethnic strife.

The state assembly was placed under suspended animation as part of the constitutional intervention.

The violence, which erupted in May 2023, has pitted the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community against the hill-dwelling Kuki-Zo groups. Clashes, arson, and retaliatory attacks have left deep ethnic scars and disrupted everyday life, even as efforts to bring the warring communities to the negotiation table continue.