India’s geopolitical commentary has critically focused on the internal problems of its neighbors, specifically Pakistan. India’s mainstream media has always highlighted violence and cited evidence of systemic state failure. This is in stark contrast to the retrained domestic response regarding the ongoing crisis in the northeastern state of Manipur. The situation and state-sponsored crackdown on minorities cites how India navigates stability within its own borders.
The systemic oppression in Manipur is rooted in decades of insurgency, political neglect and heavy state militarization. The state is governed under a draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which has fostered deep-seated mistrust between the local populace and the state. The current conflict, which erupted in May 2023, transformed historical tensions between the Meitei community and Kuki tribal groups into a prolonged crisis.
The Indian military has done heinous crimes in the state with staggering human cost. Since 2023, the violence has resulted in over 220 deaths and over 60,000 internally displaced persons living in relief camps. Whereas, the brutal force has thousands of homes and religious sites have been destroyed by arson.
The tensions escalated after the bombing in Bishnupur disctrict on April 7, 2026, a midnight attack in Tronglabi Awang Leikai that has claimed the lives of two children, while sparking renewed protests and the state intervention with curfews, troop deployments and internet shutdowns.
The government of India is relying on internet blackouts to hide the atrocities being carried out against the minority communities. While these blackouts are framed as a tool to prevent misinformation, in reality these are meant to effectively marginalize the crisis and trying to keep away the sufferings of people of Manipur away from the national consciousness. The so-called management of the crisis through these tactics shows that it is a state-sponsored oppression that is not willing to address the core issues of land rights, ethnic identity and political representation.
International community must take notice of the ongoing conflict in Manipur, as it is also an integral part of India. Suppressing minority Christians and changing demography of the state, similar to that of in Kashmir, is further exposing the fascist regime ruling in India.
