Manipur in the Crossfire: Why Ordinary Lives Are Paying the Price for Geopolitics

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Smoke Over the Hills: The Human Cost of Conflict in Manipur

 Title: Manipur in the Crossfire: Why Ordinary Lives Are Paying the Price for Geopolitics

Villagers look on as smoke rises from homes reduced to cinders in the hills, capturing the stark reality of ongoing unrest and border vulnerabilities.

The situation in Manipur has become a harrowing reality for its residents, who live in constant fear that everyday activities, such as visiting a neighbouring village or gathering firewood, could lead to violence or death. Despite political leaders acknowledging the delicacy of the situation, their reassurances do little to comfort citizens when violence erupts in their communities. Incidents like the tragic killing of three woodcutters in the Khongbal hills (situated in the foothills near the border of the Imphal East district near Nongsum and the Khamenlok area) and the brutal murders of Naga civilians illustrate the alarming vulnerability of ordinary people. Further, entire districts have been badly hit, with villages reduced to ashes and key routes blocked, leaving residents feeling abandoned amid a cycle of impunity.

The complexities of the conflict are further exacerbated by political manoeuvring, particularly surrounding the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with militant groups. According to the Sangai Express, Imphal (2026), political games in Manipur—especially around the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with militant groups—are hitting everyday people the hardest. Calls to end the SoO deal have led to confusion and less accountability. At the same time, efforts to take away illegal weapons have left law-abiding citizens helpless, while some dangerous groups remain armed. Instead of focusing on safety and stability for locals, political leaders are often more concerned with pleasing powerful countries and playing regional power games. As a result, the human suffering tied to these political struggles keeps growing.

Many experts suggest that the government's lenient approach is influenced by global superpowers interested in Southeast Asia, prioritising regional diplomacy over local stability. As long as political leaders continue to evade the harsh realities faced by the people of Manipur, the human cost of this geopolitical struggle will only escalate, underscoring the urgent need for their voices to be amplified and heard.

Location: Imphal, Manipur, India

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