After 22 months of bloody ethnic conflict, the northeastern Indian state of Manipur is finally returning to a peaceful and normal life. Starting today, Saturday, the state’s Chief Minister, on behalf of the central government, has directed all state officials to ensure unrestricted and safe movement of people and vehicles on all roads in Manipur.
As an initial step toward restoring stability, President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 12. Since then, Governor A. K. Valla has been acting as the state’s chief executive on behalf of the President.
According to Indian media outlet NDTV, under the watch of the army and paramilitary forces, public buses began operating on all major routes from early Saturday morning, including Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati, Senapati-Kangpokpi-Imphal, Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur, and Churachandpur-Bishnupur-Imphal. Additionally, helicopter routes connecting the capital Imphal with Churachandpur and Ukhrul have also resumed.
Background of the Conflict
In May 2023, the Manipur High Court granted Scheduled Tribe status to the predominantly Hindu Meitei community, sparking protests from the state’s second-largest community, the predominantly Christian Kukis.
The protests quickly escalated into ethnic riots. Over the past 22 months, more than 250 people from Meitei, Kuki, and other communities lost their lives, and thousands were forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
During the conflict, vehicle movement on the state’s roads and highways was significantly reduced for security reasons. The full restoration of normal traffic began on Saturday.
Peace March Proposal Denied
On Saturday, the majority Meitei community and its allied groups proposed holding a peace march in the state capital, Imphal. However, Governor A. K. Valla denied permission, citing security concerns.
Although Meiteis form the majority in Imphal, the surrounding hills are predominantly inhabited by various Kuki tribes. Authorities feared a serious risk of violence if the peace march proceeded.
Kuki community leaders had already expressed strong opposition to the proposed march, warning in a joint statement that it would be a “dangerous provocation.”