It is the first test for Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen to bring together civil society groups from the valley and hill districts, and initiate dialogue to calm frayed nerves and resolve concerns being raised after two children were tragically killed in a rocket-like strike while sleeping in their homes in Bishnupur district of Manipur on April 6.
Senior security sources indicate that efforts are now focused on involving civil society representatives who can engage with communities on both sides, counter rumours, and prevent the situation from deteriorating further or triggering another bout of violence in Manipur. Initial investigation into the live rocket-propelled grenade shell, which fell a few metres away from the attack site, points to the possible involvement of militant groups with access to sophisticated arms and ammunition.
Such weapons have reportedly been circulating in the tiny northeastern state or procured over time, contributing to the persistent violence witnessed over the last two years. The attack has sparked fresh unrest and fear among civilians, at a time when normalcy was gradually returning and people were beginning to step out of the prolonged cycle of tension. “Inimical forces that did not want a return to normalcy appear to have seized this opportunity to sabotage the fragile process of rebuilding trust,” a senior security official said.
At this juncture, the role of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister assumes centre stage. The elected government, now in place after a prolonged period of governor’s rule, is expected to be more directly accountable to the people. Its immediate priority is to bridge the divide and steer the state out of the cycle of violence.
The representation of the chief minister from he dominant Meitei community in the valley and the deputy chief minister from the Kuki-Zo community is as critical-not only for balanced governance but also for managing sensitive situations like the present crisis. The aim is to ensure that militant groups do not regain ground and disrupt the fragile peace once again. At the same time, the communities on both sides do not indulge in a vicious blame game especially since the case has already been handed over to the National Investigation Agency.
Both leaders have emphasised outreach to civil society as their first step, engaging in dialogue, addressing grievances, dispelling rumours, and demonstrating visible efforts toward reconciliation.
The challenges, however, remain significant. Having taken charge after two years of strained law-and-order conditions, the elected government faces the immediate test of delivering results and restoring public confidence. The tragic deaths also underline the difficult position of the security forces, who remain caught in the crossfire, often bearing the brunt of public anger and alienation as the state struggles to make substantial headway in bridging the divide. The father of the two children is an assistant sub-inspector in the Border Security Force, posted in Kishanganj in Bihar. The loss has brought despair to families of security personnel on ground .
The second challenge lies with the National Investigation Agency – to identify and bring the culprits to justice, and to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the rocket attack. This includes investigating how such weapons were procured, especially at a time when there are fresh concerns about the presence of militant groups across the border in Myanmar and the possible role of foreign intelligence networks operating in the region.
