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24 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
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Ritu Singh|Northeast India
Social IssuesNEWS

Manipur's Story on Global Stage: A Troubled Region's Voice

Manipur's story is being showcased globally, highlighting the issues of a troubled and ignored region.

A story originating from Manipur is gaining international recognition, shedding light on the challenges and issues faced by the region. The narrative emphasizes the deep-rooted problems and the sense of neglect experienced by the people of Manipur. By bringing this story to a global audience, the aim is to raise awareness and foster a better understanding of the socio-political dynamics at play in the region. This increased visibility could potentially lead to more focused attention and support for addressing the long-standing issues affecting Manipur.

The situation in Manipur, marked by ethnic fault lines and governance challenges, has persisted for decades. The current crisis has further exacerbated the existing vulnerabilities, impacting the lives and livelihoods of the local population. The international attention garnered by the narrative underscores the need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions that address the root causes of the conflict and promote inclusive development.

This increased global awareness of Manipur's plight is relevant for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon issues of internal security, social justice, and governance, aligning with GS Paper II and III.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice, and International Relations - Focus on issues related to federalism, center-state relations, and social justice in the context of Manipur's challenges.

2.

GS Paper III: Security - Linkages between development and spread of extremism - Analyze the role of socio-economic factors in fueling unrest and extremism in Manipur.

3.

Potential Essay Topics: 'Challenges to Internal Security in India' or 'The Role of Inclusive Development in Conflict Resolution'

A story originating from Manipur is gaining international recognition, shedding light on the challenges and issues faced by the region. The narrative emphasizes the deep-rooted problems and the sense of neglect experienced by the people of Manipur.

By bringing this story to a global audience, the aim is to raise awareness and foster a better understanding of the socio-political dynamics at play in the region. This increased visibility could potentially lead to more focused attention and support for addressing the long-standing issues affecting Manipur.

Expert Analysis

The international recognition of Manipur's story highlights several key concepts crucial for understanding the region's challenges. The narrative underscores the importance of addressing ethnic fault lines, which are deep-seated divisions between different ethnic groups within a society. These divisions often stem from historical grievances, competition for resources, and political marginalization. In Manipur, these fault lines have manifested in recurring conflicts and social unrest, hindering development and stability. Understanding the historical context and socio-political dynamics of these ethnic divisions is essential for formulating effective solutions.

Another critical concept is governance challenges, which refer to the difficulties in effectively administering and managing a region or state. These challenges can include issues such as corruption, lack of transparency, weak institutions, and inadequate service delivery. In Manipur, governance challenges have contributed to a sense of neglect and marginalization among the population, exacerbating existing grievances and fueling social unrest. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening institutions, promoting good governance practices, and ensuring accountability and transparency.

The narrative also emphasizes the importance of inclusive development, which refers to a development approach that aims to benefit all members of society, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic status. Inclusive development requires addressing inequalities, promoting social justice, and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources. In Manipur, promoting inclusive development is essential for bridging the gap between different ethnic groups, fostering social cohesion, and building a more equitable and prosperous society.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing the socio-political dynamics of Manipur and other conflict-affected regions. Questions related to internal security, social justice, and governance are frequently asked in the UPSC Mains examination (GS Paper II and III). A comprehensive understanding of these concepts will enable aspirants to critically analyze the challenges faced by Manipur and suggest effective solutions.

More Information

Background

Manipur's history is marked by a complex interplay of ethnic identities and political aspirations. The state has witnessed recurring conflicts between different ethnic groups, including the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki communities. These conflicts often stem from competition for land, resources, and political representation. Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the current challenges faced by the region. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) has been in force in Manipur for several decades, granting special powers to security forces to maintain law and order. The act has been a subject of controversy, with critics alleging that it has led to human rights violations and impunity for security forces. The demand for the repeal of AFSPA has been a long-standing issue in Manipur, reflecting the deep-seated grievances of the local population. The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in certain states, including some parts of the Northeast. While Manipur does not have areas directly administered under the Sixth Schedule, the principles of autonomy and self-governance enshrined in the Schedule are relevant to the demands for greater political and administrative autonomy in the state.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the government has taken several initiatives to address the challenges faced by Manipur. These include efforts to promote dialogue and reconciliation between different ethnic groups, strengthen governance institutions, and accelerate development in the region. However, these efforts have faced challenges due to the complex nature of the conflict and the deep-seated grievances of the local population. The NITI Aayog has also been involved in formulating strategies for the development of Manipur and other Northeastern states. These strategies focus on improving infrastructure, promoting tourism, and creating employment opportunities for the local population. The aim is to integrate the Northeast more closely with the rest of India and unlock its economic potential. Looking ahead, the key priorities for Manipur include addressing the root causes of the conflict, promoting inclusive development, and strengthening governance institutions. This will require a concerted effort from the government, civil society, and the local population to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)? I. AFSPA grants special powers to security forces in disturbed areas. II. The act has been criticized for allegedly leading to human rights violations. III. The demand for the repeal of AFSPA has been a long-standing issue in Manipur.

  • A.I and II only
  • B.II and III only
  • C.I and III only
  • D.I, II and III
Show Answer

Answer: D

All the statements are correct. AFSPA grants special powers to security forces in disturbed areas, has been criticized for alleged human rights violations, and its repeal has been a long-standing demand in Manipur. Statement I is correct as it is the primary function of AFSPA. Statement II is correct as various human rights organizations have criticized the act. Statement III is correct as the people of Manipur have been demanding its repeal for a long time.

2. Which of the following best describes the term 'ethnic fault lines' in the context of Manipur? A) Geographical boundaries separating different regions of the state. B) Deep-seated divisions between different ethnic groups within the state. C) Economic disparities between urban and rural areas of Manipur. D) Political alliances between different political parties in Manipur.

  • A.A
  • B.B
  • C.C
  • D.D
Show Answer

Answer: B

Ethnic fault lines refer to deep-seated divisions between different ethnic groups within a society. In Manipur, these divisions have manifested in recurring conflicts and social unrest. Option A is incorrect as it refers to geographical boundaries. Option C is incorrect as it refers to economic disparities. Option D is incorrect as it refers to political alliances.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution: I. It provides for the administration of tribal areas in certain states. II. Manipur has areas directly administered under the Sixth Schedule. III. The principles of autonomy and self-governance enshrined in the Schedule are relevant to demands for greater political autonomy in Manipur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.I only
  • B.I and III only
  • C.II and III only
  • D.I, II and III
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statements I and III are correct. The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas in certain states, and its principles of autonomy are relevant to demands for greater political autonomy in Manipur. Statement II is incorrect as Manipur does not have areas directly administered under the Sixth Schedule. The Sixth Schedule applies to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Source Articles

How Ratan Thiyam brought Manipur onto the global stage | Eye News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·24 Feb 2026

Behind the violence in Manipur: Longstanding tensions between hill and valley people, the Meitei demand for ST status, and a recent HC order | Explained News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·24 Feb 2026

Akshay Kumar calls out discrimination against Northeast Indians: ‘They are as much Indians as I am’ | Television News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·24 Feb 2026

Set in a conflict zone, Manipuri-language Boong wins BAFTA for Best Children’s and Family Film | Mumbai News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·24 Feb 2026

Ratan Thiyam showed that the more rooted you are, the more universal you become | The Indian Express

The Indian Express·24 Feb 2026
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About the Author

Ritu Singh

Engineer & Current Affairs Analyst

Ritu Singh writes about Social Issues at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.

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