For the past 18 months, the state of Manipur has been engulfed in a violent and bitter conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, two ethnic groups with deep-rooted historical tensions and territorial disputes. This escalating crisis has left the state divided along ethnic lines, disrupting lives, uprooting communities, and drawing national attention to the disturbing cycle of violence. In recent weeks, the situation reached a boiling point with the abduction of three women and three children, including a toddler only eight months old, reportedly by Kuki terrorists—an act that has sent shockwaves across the country and underscored the increasingly brutal tactics used in this conflict. Only cowards kidnap children and women.
The Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur has been marked by an alarming mix of ethnic grievances, territorial issues, and an undercurrent of political complexity. Both communities have unique cultural identities, land claims, and historical ties to the region. The Meitei people, who form the majority in Manipur’s central valley, have long sought protections that ensure their cultural and economic interests, while the Kuki community, largely settled in the hill areas, has pressed for autonomous control over its territories. Amid these demands, incidents of violence have risen dramatically, bringing with them humanitarian crises, displaced families, and shattered lives.
In the latest series of confrontations, an attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in the state revealed the extent of violence perpetrated by Kuki terrorists. The CRPF camp came under heavy fire, and, in the ensuing battle, security forces killed 11 Kuki militants. This operation, while seen as a necessary response to the terror tactics employed by Kuki militants, has had a far-reaching impact on the volatile situation. It was shortly after this armed clash that the Kuki terrorists abducted the women and children—an act that is not only a grave humanitarian offence but also a potent reminder of the high-stakes psychological warfare unfolding between the groups.
The kidnapping of women and children has added an appalling dimension to the conflict. Targeting civilians, particularly the most vulnerable, reflects a troubling shift in tactics, one that suggests desperation and a willingness to cross moral boundaries. In conflicts around the world, the exploitation of women and children as bargaining chips has always drawn condemnation, and in Manipur, this act has underscored the brutality with which this battle is being fought. The women and children who have been abducted are not just innocent bystanders but symbols of the targeted aggression against the Meitei community.
The retaliatory nature of these actions suggests that the conflict in Manipur is sliding into a dangerous, cyclical pattern where acts of violence are met with counter-violence, each event escalating tensions further. The attack on the CRPF camp was itself a response to increased militarisation in the area, as security forces sought to control and curb the militant activities carried out by various armed factions. However, while the killing of 11 militants may have been a short-term victory for the security forces, it has led to more retaliatory violence and has put the lives of innocent Meitei civilians at severe risk.
Adding to this complexity is the role of external and political influences that continue to fuel the violence. Allegations of political biases, unequal representation, and differential treatment in state administration have been longstanding issues in Manipur. Both the Meitei and Kuki communities feel betrayed and marginalised, each accusing the other—and the government—of conspiracy and favouritism. As state and central authorities scramble to prevent further bloodshed, the people of Manipur remain trapped in a state of perpetual fear and anxiety, their lives disrupted by curfews, lockdowns, and the constant threat of violence.
The kidnappings and attacks also serve as a tragic reminder of the inadequacies in governance and law enforcement in the region. For years, Manipur has struggled with insurgency, ethnic strife, and instability, and successive governments have been unable to implement policies that promote long-term peace and reconciliation. The lack of political will to address fundamental issues of land ownership, tribal autonomy, and equitable development has compounded the resentment on both sides, leaving civilians to suffer in the crossfire. Meanwhile, the security forces deployed in the region are left dealing with a high-stakes situation that demands both tactical responses and careful consideration of ethnic sensitivities.
India, as a nation, faces an urgent call to action to address the Manipur crisis, not just through military means but through a multi-pronged approach that includes dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation. The kidnapping of innocent civilians—especially women and children—demands immediate and concerted efforts from state and central governments to secure their release and ensure their safety. There is also an urgent need for transparent investigations and accountability for acts of violence committed by all parties. Both the Meitei and Kuki communities have legitimate concerns, and addressing their grievances without bias is essential for lasting peace in the region.
The abductions highlight the need for national and international awareness of the human rights abuses occurring in Manipur. Civil society organisations, humanitarian agencies, and peace-building advocates must be involved in efforts to stabilise the region, alleviate the suffering of displaced persons, and protect vulnerable groups. These initiatives should focus on community-based interventions, providing resources for trauma healing, education, and livelihoods that can reduce the allure of militancy for the region’s youth.
To break the cycle of violence and move toward peace, it is essential for the Indian government and society at large to condemn and act decisively against acts of terrorism and violence targeting civilians. The abduction of women and children is a reprehensible tactic that must be universally condemned, and there is no justification for subjecting innocent lives to terror. India must unite to protect its people, ensuring that no one, irrespective of ethnic background, suffers from the horrors of violence and terrorism.
Ultimately, the people of Manipur deserve a future free from the shackles of conflict. Only through justice, compassion, and a commitment to peace can the state begin to heal from the wounds of this prolonged and devastating battle.
