In Manipur, the work of peace is still to be done

Reports that at least nine people were killed in the latest outbreak of violence across Manipur’s hill districts on the night of October 9 point, yet again, to the state government’s incapacity to heal or contain schisms in the state. By all accounts, the violence between the Kuki and Naga communities spanned three districts — Kamjong, Kangpokpi and Senapati — and involved ambushes and gunfights by armed groups. It is disturbing that even after three-and-a-half years of ethnic violence, there is only a fragile calm, and little progress seems to have been made towards an enduring end to the conflict.

After the N Biren Singh government was dissolved in February 2025, it was hoped that President’s Rule would make space for an administration seen to be less partisan to stabilise the situation. But while large-scale violent clashes declined, normalcy remained elusive, and the deep divides that had taken hold since May 2023 persisted. As calls for an elected government grew louder, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, a Meitei like his predecessor, was chosen as chief minister. The appointment of a Kuki and a Naga deputy CM gave hope that political representation would pave the way for a lasting settlement. But the old Kuki-Naga fault line that fuelled bloodshed in the 1990s has been reopened. Since February, dozens of people from both communities have been killed and houses torched. The Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas are now caught in overlapping conflicts, with civilians bearing the brunt not only of the violence but also of blockades across the hill districts that restrict access to essential supplies.

Overall Analysis

The editorial argues that the absence of large-scale violence does not necessarily mean that peace has been achieved. Its central concern is that Manipur remains divided by unresolved ethnic tensions, despite changes in political leadership and attempts to restore normalcy. The title, “In Manipur, the work of peace is still to be done,” expresses this argument through a clear distinction between merely reducing violence and building a lasting peace.

The phrase “the work of peace” is particularly significant. By presenting peace as work, the editorial suggests that it requires sustained effort, political responsibility, dialogue and reconciliation. Peace is not portrayed as a condition that automatically follows a change in government; it is a process that must be actively pursued. The words “still to be done” convey incompleteness and disappointment, establishing a critical tone from the outset.

The opening paragraph uses the latest outbreak of violence as evidence of a larger, continuing problem. The expression “point, yet again, to” signals repetition: the incident is not presented as an isolated event but as another indication of an unresolved crisis. Similarly, the phrase “only a fragile calm” contrasts the appearance of stability with the reality of continuing insecurity. The adjective “fragile” is important because it suggests that the calm can easily collapse. The editorial reinforces this idea by referring to the “little progress” made towards an enduring end to the conflict.

The second paragraph follows a historical and cause-and-effect structure. It traces the political developments from the dissolution of the N. Biren Singh government and the imposition of President’s Rule to the formation of a new elected government. This sequence allows the writer to examine the expectations attached to each political change and contrast them with the continuing conflict. The phrases “it was hoped” and “gave hope” acknowledge the possibility of improvement, while “normalcy remained elusive” reveals the gap between expectation and reality. The word “elusive” conveys something that remains difficult to attain despite repeated efforts.

The editorial also uses contrast to challenge the assumption that political representation alone can resolve ethnic conflict. The appointment of deputy chief ministers from the Kuki and Naga communities is presented as a development that raised hopes of a settlement. However, the reopening of the old Kuki–Naga fault line complicates that expectation. The contrast between political inclusion and continuing violence strengthens the argument that representation, while potentially important, does not by itself guarantee reconciliation.

The expression “old Kuki-Naga fault line” is a metaphor drawn from geology. A fault line is a fracture in the Earth’s crust; figuratively, it represents a deep division within society that can become a source of conflict. By describing the division as old, the writer emphasises its historical roots and suggests that the present crisis cannot be understood without considering earlier tensions.

The closing sentences widen the scope of the argument. The description of the Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas as being caught in “overlapping conflicts” suggests that the situation is no longer a simple dispute between two communities. Different tensions intersect, making the crisis more complicated. The final emphasis on civilians who bear the “brunt” of violence and blockades shifts attention from political developments to their human consequences. The reference to restricted access to essential supplies makes the effects of conflict tangible: insecurity affects not only physical safety but also everyday survival.

Throughout, the language is formal, measured and analytical, yet carries an unmistakably concerned tone. Words such as “schisms,” “partisan,” “fault line” and “fragile” communicate the depth of division without relying on exaggerated emotional language. The editorial’s persuasive force comes from its progression: recent violence establishes the urgency, political history provides context, unmet expectations expose the limits of existing responses, and civilian suffering underscores the cost of unresolved conflict.

Important Vocabulary – 5

1. Schisms — Deep divisions or disagreements within a group or community.
2. Partisan — Showing strong support for one side, often at the expense of neutrality.
3. Elusive — Difficult to find, achieve or attain.
4. Fault line — A deep division that can lead to disagreement or conflict.
5. Brunt — The main or heaviest part of something unpleasant or harmful.

Conclusion & Tone

The editorial concludes that Manipur’s political transitions and periods of reduced violence have not yet produced a durable settlement. Its underlying argument is that lasting peace requires more than administrative changes or symbolic political inclusion; the divisions driving the conflict must also be addressed.