Manipur's Lingering Ethnic Divide: River Routes Preferred Over Roads Despite New Government
Nearly two years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, everyday mobility continues to reflect deep-seated mistrust between communities, even as the state has returned to an elected government following the withdrawal of President's Rule on Wednesday.
Persistent Fears Shape Travel Choices
Residents from the hill districts—particularly those belonging to Hmar, Kuki, and other tribal groups—remain reluctant to travel by road through Meitei-dominated valley areas, citing lingering fears and a fragile sense of security. For many, the perception of risk significantly outweighs convenience, forcing them to take longer and costlier alternative routes.
The trend is particularly evident among people from Manipur working in Assam, especially in Silchar and other parts of the Barak Valley. Instead of using the Jiribam-Tipaimukh road, long considered Manipur's vital lifeline to the region, several hill residents now prefer river travel along the Barak to reach their homes.
"During holidays, I go home to Tipaimukh only by boat to avoid the motor road," said a Hmar man employed in Silchar. "There is still a sense of insecurity on roads passing through Meitei areas."
Transport as a Barometer of Trust
Observers note that the choice of transport has become a telling barometer of inter-community trust. While large-scale violence has subsided since the clashes of May 2023, sporadic incidents, heavy security presence, and continued physical segregation of communities have kept anxieties alive. For many hill residents, traveling through valley areas remains fraught with psychological and perceived risks.
The prolonged unrest had led to the imposition of President's Rule in the state, reflecting a significant breakdown of political and administrative confidence amid sustained ethnic strife. With the lifting of central rule on Wednesday and the formation of a new government led by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, hopes have been raised for a gradual return to normalcy.
Economic Consequences of Altered Travel Patterns
The altered travel patterns have created substantial economic consequences. Traders, daily wage workers, and students now factor safety perceptions into routine decisions, often losing valuable time and income in the process. River journeys are notably slower and dependent on weather conditions, yet many view them as safer than highways cutting across contested spaces.
Local analysts caution that restoring road connectivity alone will not heal the deeper social rupture. "Infrastructure can be repaired quickly, but trust takes much longer to rebuild," said a Silchar-based observer. "The fact that people are still choosing rivers over roads demonstrates how enduring the fear truly is within these communities."
Challenges for the New Government
Despite repeated assurances from both the state and central governments about improved law and order, the ground reality suggests reconciliation remains tentative and fragile. Much will now depend on whether the new government can move beyond security measures to initiate meaningful confidence-building steps between communities.
"For now, people are watching closely," an observer noted. "The return of an elected government represents a beginning. The real test is whether it can restore trust and make ordinary travel feel ordinary again in Manipur."
The situation highlights how ethnic divisions continue to shape daily life in Manipur, with transportation choices serving as visible indicators of the psychological barriers that persist between communities even as political structures attempt to normalize.
