Choosing Peace Over Revenge

THE heavy air of Manipur has fractured once more, this time dragging the Naga and Kuki communities into a dangerous spiral of suspicion. At the heart of the latest standoff is a bitter arithmetic of human lives: Nagas claim six of their people are being held captive by Kukis, whilst Kukis counter that fourteen of their own are being held hostage by Nagas. This toxic gridlock erupted into open chaos at Shangkai village in Ukhrul district, where a peaceful Kuki protest turned ugly. As security forces intervened with tear gas to clear the vital Imphal-Ukhrul highway, the situation deteriorated rapidly into an exchange of live gunfire between communities, proving yet again how easily a spark can light the dry wood of ethnic anxiety.

Tragically, the heaviest price for this instability is always paid by the innocent. Amidst the gunfire, a non-local truck driver transporting essential rice supplies was hit by a bullet and killed. One cannot help but feel a deep sense of grief and sorrow for his family, left to moun a father, son, or husband who had absolutely no stake in this conflict. His death leaves us with a burning question: where are the state and central security forces when they are truly needed? Their failure to prevent the escalation or to secure a vital lifeline like National Highway 202 exposes the complete collapse of the Manipur state government, which continues to look on helplessly as lawlessness takes root in yet another district.

 

This madness must not be allowed to widen into a new communal front. It is high time both communities came together for direct, unconditional negotiations. Leadership means rising above bitterness; both sides must release their alleged captives immediately, without waiting for the other to act first. Crucially, the individuals involved in these criminal abductions must be booked and brought to justice under the law as isolated wrongdoers. We must stop blaming entire ethnic groups for the criminal actions of a few armed men. To tar a whole community with the same brush is a lazy, dangerous path that only ensures the cycle of vengeance continues.

 

True peace requires the courage to talk, not the malice to take hostages. We are reminded of the words of Psalm 34:14: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it”.  Peace is not a passive wish; it is an active pursuit that requires laying down arms and picking up dialogue. True communal harmony cannot exist without mutual trust, and our long-term co-existence depends entirely on treating our neighbours’ security as our own. We must remember that our distinct cultures are meant to enrich this land together, not tear it apart. The state government must immediately secure the highways, but the deeper healing belongs to the people. Kuki and Naga leaders must step forward right now, clear the roads, free the captives, and choose the path of negotiation before more innocent blood stains the soil.

~ Zogam Today | Editorial | 30.05.2026

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