This attack ended a few months of uneasy calm in the conflict-a period the government presented as a return to normalcy. Yet, normalcy is only on the surface; the underlying conflict remains unresolved and active.

Even now, no one can enter Kuki-dominated areas, and Meiteis cannot enter Kuki areas, either. Similarly, the Kuki people can't freely move into the Meitei regions. The lack of free movement within the state clearly shows that the situation is far from normal.

At the same time, videos on social media show some Kukis travelling through the valley without anyone stopping or harming them. Meanwhile, Meiteis in the valley appear to live normal lives, almost forgetting that a conflict still exists.

People are attending festivals like Thabal, going to concerts, and continuing their daily routines. It seems that many have moved on, or at least are trying to, even though the conflict is unresolved and no solution has been provided yet.

For the past few months, the main concern people have discussed is the lack of free movement across the state. Outside of that, life seems to go on.

But not everyone has moved on. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) continue to suffer the most.

They are still living far from their homes while waiting and praying to return. Families of those who were killed are still haunted by their loss. They can't forget, even if others seem to have adjusted.

This recent attack has once again sparked anger. Meitei protesters came out in response, directing their protest at the CRPF, as the incident occurred while they were stationed nearby.

However, the situation turned tragic when some protesters were killed by CRPF personnel near the Tronglaobi area where the attack had taken place. Three were killed, and many were injured. People protesting the deaths of two toddlers ended up being killed, raising serious questions.

Why did this new attack happen now? Who benefits from it? Who is behind it? Who organised it?

Such attacks seem to keep the conflict alive. They provoke reactions and maintain the cycle of violence and hatred. This also strengthens the idea that Meiteis and Kukis cannot coexist. It fosters the belief that living together is impossible, which supports the Kuki's demand for a separate administration. If both sides appear to be constantly fighting, it becomes easier to justify division.

At the same time, this ongoing conflict also benefits the State in another way, not only the Kuki. A divided Manipur weakens any collective movement. It hinders people from coming together for broader political goals, including self-determination. Division keeps people apart and prevents unity.

So, while those in the valley may seem to live normally, the reality remains starkly different.

The conflict endures, unresolved and volatile. Until both sides can move beyond division, incidents like this will continue to undermine any hope for lasting peace or normalcy. Only genuine resolution and unity can break this cycle and restore stability.

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