When a Drunken Brawl Becomes a Communal Flashpoint: Lessons from the Litan Incident

The recent incident in Litan, where an individual-level drunken altercation spiralled into a communal confrontation, is yet another stark reminder of how fragile the law-and-order situation remains in Manipur. What should have remained a localised dispute between individuals quickly acquired a dangerous communal colour, exposing the deep mistrust, accumulated trauma, and administrative fragility that continue to define the state’s current reality.

At its core, the episode reflects a disturbing truth: in Manipur today, even the smallest spark can ignite a wider blaze. A drunken act, a personal insult, or a momentary provocation is no longer just an isolated occurrence. It is interpreted through the lens of identity, insecurity, and historical grievance. This is not merely a failure of individuals—it is a failure of the environment in which they are forced to live.

The Danger of Communalizing Local Issues in a Tribal Mosaic Like Manipur

Manipur, often described as a miniature mosaic of tribes and communities, stands as one of India’s most culturally intricate states. Its hills and valleys are home to diverse ethnic groups, each with distinct histories, customary laws, dialects, and socio-political aspirations. This diversity, when nurtured, forms the bedrock of resilience and cultural richness. But when local issues are communalized—when individual or localized disputes are framed as conflicts between entire tribes—the consequences can be devastating.

Stipends, Ceasefires, and the Contradiction of Separate Administration Demands

In conflict-affected regions, peace is rarely a straight road. It is negotiated, fragile, and often deeply paradoxical. One such paradox confronting the public today is this: How can armed groups receive government stipends under ceasefire arrangements while simultaneously demanding separate administration or political autonomy? To many citizens, this appears contradictory - even unjust. Yet the reality is more layered.

Government stipends to armed groups do not emerge from generosity, nor are they rewards for past militancy. They are instruments of conflict management, embedded within ceasefire or Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements. Under such arrangements, armed groups agree to halt hostilities, confine themselves to designated camps, and suspend recruitment and offensive operations. In return, the state provides subsistence support - stipends, rations, and camp maintenance - to prevent cadres from returning to insurgency while political dialogue continues.

Resignation or Representation? The Kuki-Zo MLAs’ Dilemma in Post-President's Rule

The restoration of a popular government in Manipur on 4 February 2026, after months of President’s Rule, has reopened a difficult and deeply consequential question: should Kuki-Zo Members of the Legislative Assembly resign their seats in response to sustained public pressure from sections of their own community?

To Lose Patience Is to Lose the Battle

“To lose patience is to lose the battle”, Mahatma Gandhi once observed - an insight that feels deceptively simple yet carries profound political, moral, and personal weight. In an age defined by instant gratification, outrage cycles, and performative anger, Gandhi’s words arrive not as a relic of the past but as a sharp rebuke to the present.

Patience, in Gandhi’s philosophy, was never passive endurance. It was disciplined strength. It was the ability to absorb provocation without surrendering one’s moral ground. In the long struggle against colonial rule, Gandhi understood that impatience - especially when fueled by rage - would fracture unity, justify repression, and derail the ethical legitimacy of resistance. The British Empire could be challenged not merely by force, but by moral stamina that outlasted its arrogance.

Union Budget 2026 and the Scheduled Tribes

The Union Budget 2026–27 places Scheduled Tribes (STs) at the centre of India’s inclusive growth agenda by strengthening investments in education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship and tribal area development. With a total allocation of about ₹15,422 crore for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Budget reinforces long-term structural support through flagship interventions such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), expanded pre- and post-matric scholarships, the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) for livelihoods, and targeted entrepreneurship support, including the Venture Capital Fund for STs. Major village-level initiatives like the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and constitutional grants under Article 275(1) further aim to bridge infrastructure and service gaps in Scheduled Areas. Overall, Budget 2026 signals a shift from welfare-only approaches towards empowerment, capability building and sustainable economic participation of tribal communities in the national development process.

ATSUM — The Divided Tribal Student Forum and Its Impact on Safeguarding Tribal Rights and Interests in Manipur

 Abstract

The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has emerged as a central socio-political actor in the multi-ethnic landscape of Manipur, advocating for tribal rights, constitutional safeguards, and protection of indigenous interests. This paper examines ATSUM’s historical evolution, major mobilisations, strategies, and consequences on tribal protection, autonomy movements, and inter-community relations in the state. Through a review of secondary sources, news reports, and existing academic insights, this study highlights ATSUM’s role both in constructive advocacy for tribal constitutional rights and in intensifying ethnic tensions during key political controversies, particularly surrounding the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Prospect of Popular Government in Manipur

Manipur today stands at a defining crossroads. The promise of popular government - a system rooted in the will of the people, inclusive representation, and accountable governance - faces its gravest test in decades. The scars left by prolonged ethnic conflict, political instability, and administrative paralysis have shaken public faith in democratic institutions. Yet, amid these challenges, the aspiration for a truly representative and people-centric government remains resilient.

Root Causes of Kuki–Meitei–Naga Differences - A Roadmap for Permanent Peace & Harmony

The root causes of Manipur’s tri-community differences among Meiteis, Nagas, and Kukis are not ancient or inevitable, but largely shaped by historical disruptions, colonial divisions, post-independence politics, and socio-economic inequalities. A deeper inquiry shows how rigid identity classifications, unequal development between hills and valley, competition over land and political power, and long-standing perceptions of marginalisation have gradually transformed cultural diversity into political fault lines. Genuine curiosity helps move beyond blame, fostering understanding, empathy, and dialogue, which are essential for building lasting peace, justice, and harmony in Manipur.

 “When brothers fight, outsiders gain.” - This reality tragically applies to Manipur.

Success Stories of Monetising a Blogspot Blog and the Steps

For many aspiring writers, blogging begins as a passion - a space to express ideas, document experiences, or raise social awareness. Over time, however, several bloggers have successfully transformed their Blogspot platforms into sustainable sources of income. These success stories demonstrate that monetisation is not limited to large websites or professional portals; with consistency, quality content, and patience, a Blogspot blog can also generate meaningful revenue.