Implications of Ethnic Conflict in Manipur for India’s National Security

Abstract

This article analyses the 2023 ethnic violence in the Indian border state of Manipur, examining the factors which contributed to the conflict. Looking at the proliferation of arms, the emergence of radicalised youth organisations, and the exploitation of the situation by armed and secessionist groups, the article highlights the implications of the Manipur conflict for India’s national security. The article argues that delayed and inadequate government response exacerbated the conflict, forcing the two warring communities—the Meiteis and Kuki—to bolster their security measures through a parallel security system. These developments pose a challenge to Indian national security in the sensitive border region and therefore require urgent government intervention. While recovering stolen arms and bolstering border security along the India–Myanmar border remains crucial for long-term peace, the article suggests consociationalism for Manipur, a governance model that has shown—albeit with certain limitations—efficacy in addressing ethnic violence in deeply divided societies.