Ethnic conflicts in the Northeast have shown a tendency to multiply along new fault lines. Analyse the evolving nature of the Manipur conflict and suggest institutional mechanisms for durable peace.

The Manipur violence began on May 3, 2023 between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. It has killed over 300 people and displaced about 60,000 [1]. In three years it has grown from a two-sided hill-valley dispute into a contest with several sides. It is a clear case of conflict multiplying along new fault lines.

Evolving nature of the conflict

• Origin in identity and land: protests against the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status set off the violence. That fight mixed land rights, the hill-valley divide (Art. 371C safeguards for Hill Areas) and ethnic identity.
• Physical separation: about 60,000 people have been displaced. This has turned the valley and the hills into separate ethnic zones, and relief camps have become semi-permanent [1].
• New fault line: since February 2026, Naga-Kuki clashes have killed over 60 people [1]. Overlapping land claims tied to the unsettled Naga peace process make this worse.
• Constitutional churn: President's Rule (Art. 356) was imposed on February 13, 2025. An elected government returned on February 4, 2026 [1]. Order was restored, but no political settlement was reached.
• Cross-border angle: movement across the Myanmar border under the Free Movement Regime feeds suspicion between communities.
• Accountability gap: the MHA set up a Commission of Inquiry on June 4, 2023. It has been extended several times, now to May 20, 2027. It holds about 11,000 affidavits but has not yet reported [1].

Institutional mechanisms for durable peace

• Time-bound inquiry: the Commission should give an interim report on the causes and extent of the violence. The MHA should publish reasons with every extension [1]. The report and an action-taken memorandum must be tabled within six months, as the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 requires [2].
• Inclusive dialogue: a standing Centre-State-community forum should include Naga bodies. The inquiry's remit should be widened to cover the Naga-Kuki deaths [1].
• Stronger hill self-government: the Hill Areas Committee (Art. 371C) and the district councils need real money and powers. This can ease land fears without dividing the state.
• Rehabilitation: a dedicated policy for internally displaced people should cover safe return, land restitution and livelihoods [1].
• Security coordination: under the Union's Art. 355 duty, a unified command should run neutral policing of buffer zones and recover illegal arms. Border management should balance security with ties between communities on both sides.

Manipur shows how unresolved identity grievances, delayed accountability and mass displacement can grow into new conflicts. Durable peace needs a credible inquiry, inclusive dialogue and stronger local institutions. This serves the Preamble's value of fraternity and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions).