A disabled state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s September 13 visit to Manipur was staged as a moment of reassurance. He declared that the state would be rebuilt into a “symbol of peace and prosperity” and backed his words with a lavish announcement of ₹8,500 crore worth of development projects. After nearly two years of anarchy and ethnic bloodshed, Delhi finally seemed to acknowledge Manipur’s agony. Yet within six days, those assurances was exposed in the most brutal fashion. On September 19, militants ambushed a column of Assam Rifles near Nambol in Bishnupur district, killing two jawans and injuring five. The location was just eight kilometres from Imphal airport and along the same road the Prime Minister had used during his visit. This was not just an attack on security forces; it was a brazen message that insurgent groups still call the shots in Manipur, regardless of Delhi’s promises. Also, the ambush occurred in a zone where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is not enforced only underscores the flawed and half-hearted approach of the Centre. By selectively withdrawing AFSPA from politically convenient areas, the government has created gaps that militants exploit at will. This is not peace; it is reckless appeasement disguised as reform. And the cost is being borne by soldiers and civilians alike. For nearly two years before President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025, Manipur was left to descend into chaos. Ethnic violence claimed close to 300 lives, left thousands injured, and rendered over 60,000 homeless. The state government collapsed, law enforcement disintegrated, and banned insurgent groups flourished. Delhi’s response was a belated imposition of central rule, not a coherent strategy to restore authority. Even today, Manipur remains hostage to armed groups that dictate terms with guns while New Delhi engages in photo-op politics. Modi’s promise of peace cannot be built on development packages alone. Roads and projects worth thousands of crores rupee mean nothing when the state machinery is yet to strictly enforce the rule of law while people live under the shadow of militants. Peace requires first the restoration of law and order, disarming of banned outfits, and re-establishing the credibility of governance. However, what Manipur gets is lofty rhetoric, symbolic inaugurations, and a central government that refuses to confront the hard truth- that it looked the other way when armed elements roamed freely and effected street justice. Considering recent incidents, the attack on the Assam Rifles is not an isolated incident. It is a stark reminder that the Prime Minister’s assurances is not a done thing without decisive follow-up. The people of Manipur do not need more slogans; they need protection, justice, and a system that needs to be cleansed from the ethnic divide brought upon during the previous BJP government if it is to addresses deep-rooted grievances. Until then, talk of peace and prosperity will remain nothing more than mere words echoing across a wounded land. Manipur has heard promises of peace for two years. What it needs now is not another vow from Delhi but action strong enough to dismantle the gun culture that has reduced the state to a battlefield as anything less will turn out to be a betrayal.