Open shops, resumption of transport services, and internet connectivity – these are the three markers of a return to normalcy for Manipur after two years of ethnic strife that began in May 2023.
Over the
past eight months, Manipur has experienced relative calm that has offered hope to people. “Peace brings progress,” said a local resident, “and after years of violence, at least we can breathe a little easier now.”
ARMS SURRENDER: THE TURNING POINT
Experts and people on the ground widely agree that one of the key reasons behind the restoration of peace was the large-scale surrender of arms and ammunition.
When the President’s Rule was imposed, the new governor issued a public appeal setting a deadline for the surrender of looted weapons.
According to sources in administration, the response was overwhelming prompting a deadline extension. During the initial phase of the unrest in May 2023, mobs had stormed police stations and looted large quantities of arms and ammunition.
Official data now shows that nearly 1,200 weapons of different types were recovered in 2025 alone. Since 2023, close to 3,000 weapons and about 10,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, along with nearly 500 improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“This data speaks for itself,” a senior officer told News18. “It can be said that more than 60 percent of the looted arms have been recovered – perhaps even more. People themselves have come forward to surrender. Recovery in both the valley and the hills has been a big reason for peace.”
CURBING EXTORTION AND DRUG TRADE
Conflict often fuels extortion, looting, and drug trafficking – and Manipur was no exception.
To counter the menace, the state government launched a special anti-extortion helpline, which officials described as “highly effective”.
Drug trafficking, another major concern, has also witnessed a significant crackdown. Data of seizures from Churachandpur in January highlight the scale of the operation:
- Heroin No 4: 12.938 kg
- Brown sugar: 15.358 kg
- Opium: 7.109 kg
- WIY (methamphetamine) tablets: 4,01,297 tablets
In addition, the authorities destroyed 52.7 acres of illegal poppy cultivation, sending a strong signal against the drug trade.
INVESTIGATIONS BOOST CONFIDENCE
To restore trust, several central agencies have taken up sensitive cases.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are probing incidents linked to the violence, while a Supreme Court-guided special investigation team (SIT) is also investigating key matters.
The sources said these inquiries have reassured people and brought a sense of accountability to the process.
VISIBLE CHANGE ON THE GROUND, ROAD AHEAD
Perhaps the most visible transformation is along the highway between Imphal and Churachandpur.
During News18’s coverage in 2023, this stretch was lined with checkpoints manned by both communities, along with village guard bunkers and makeshift posts.
Today, those community-run checkpoints are gone. Only official posts manned by the BSF and state security forces remain in place. For local residents, this change has deep significance.
The removal of parallel checkpoints has reduced tension and brought back a sense of state authority. “It may look like a small thing,” said a villager, “but it has changed everything for us.”
While challenges remain, the combination of arms recovery, anti-extortion measures, drug crackdowns, and credible investigations has paved the way for cautious optimism. After years of bloodshed and displacement, Manipur is finally experiencing some stability. The road to lasting peace, however, will depend on sustained efforts by both the administration and the communities.
