Looking back at 2025 : Locked in cycle of violence, strife

Imphal, Dec 26
The year 2025 was marked by continued ethnic tensions, large-scale displacement, sustained counter-insurgency operations, and direct Central governance under President’s rule.
The year witnessed intensified security action against militant groups, major political interventions by the Centre, high-level visits by the President, the Prime Minister and persistent humanitarian distress.
Security agencies carried out widespread operations across the State throughout the year. Official and media reports indicate that more than 300 militants, insurgent operatives, and criminal associates were arrested in Manipur during 2025 in joint operations by the State police, Assam Rifles, Army and Central forces.
This includes at least 226 militants and associates arrested between February and April alone, following the imposition of President’s Rule, according to security assessments. Over 600 acres of illegal poppy cultivation linked to insurgent financing and narcotics trafficking were razed to the ground.
Despite these measures, the security situation remained fragile.
Sporadic firing incidents, recovery of unexploded ordnance and mortar shells, and periodic clashes continued to threaten civilian safety. The humanitarian crisis also persisted, with around 60,000 internally displaced persons still living in relief camps across the State, many entering their third year of displacement after the ethnic violence that began in May 2023.
Living conditions, access to livelihoods, schooling and healthcare remained major concerns for the displaced population. A promise to enable all displaced persons return home by Dec 31 remains a dream.
Politically, 2025 was dominated by the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, following the resignation of the Chief Minister, N Biren Singh and the breakdown of law and order amid prolonged ethnic conflict.
The Centre assumed direct administrative control, citing the need to restore stability and public safety. Under President’s Rule, the Home Ministry oversaw intensified security deployment, governance restructuring and relief measures, while Parliament formally approved the continuation of Central rule in the State.
High-level visits underscored the Centre’s focus on Manipur during the year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur on 13 September 2025, his first visit since the outbreak of the ethnic violence, inaugurating development projects and holding meetings with officials and community representatives.
The visit took place under tight security amid tensions and protests in parts of the State.
Attempts to make the National Highways open before the visit of the Prime Minister could not materialise, and the National Highways remain cut off to the people living in the valley areas.
President Droupadi Murmu visited Manipur on December 11 and 12, participating in official functions, cultural commemorations and development programmes. Her visit was accompanied by heightened security arrangements and calls for shutdowns by certain insurgent groups, reflecting the continuing political and social unease.
During the visit, the President emphasised that addressing the concerns and aspirations of Manipur’s people remained a top priority for the Government of India.
As 2025 draws to a close, Manipur stands at a critical juncture. While security forces have significantly weakened militant networks through sustained arrests and seizures, the underlying ethnic and political conflict remains unresolved. President’s Rule continues, displacement remains widespread, and trust-building between communities remains fragile.
The year ends with cautious hope that better governance, dialogue and rehabilitation efforts can eventually lead the state toward stability, reconciliation and peace.
            UNI