The evolving situation in Manipur has significant implications for the socio-political, cultural and security fabric of India’s Northeastern Region. The continuing tensions highlight deep-rooted issues of governance, ethnic identities and development that not only affect the people of Manipur but also reverberate across the wider region. In this current context, fostering peace and stability becomes essential for advancing connectivity, regional cooperation and inclusive growth.

on 3rd September, 2025, Asian Confluence organised a closed-door roundtable discussion on the evolving situation in Manipur and its implications on the Northeastern region. The meeting saw an enlightened discussion on how the conflict is shaped by historical grievances, constitutional ambiguities, and transboundary vulnerabilities.

Discussions also pointed to governance deficits, corruption, and the narcotics trade as factors exacerbating ethnic tensions. Urgent humanitarian challenges such as displacement, food shortages, healthcare, and education were highlighted, along with the need for political reformation and a renewed peace and reconciliation mechanism. Strengthening border management, empowering civil society, addressing disinformation, and ensuring greater engagement from both local leaders and national policymakers were emphasized as immediate priorities.

Bringing together diplomats, scholars and thought leaders, the session sought to generate a constructive exchange of perspectives on the most pressing challenges facing the Northeast today.

Participants(in alphabetical order):

1. Amb. Anil Wadhwa

2. Amb. Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa

3. Amb. Jaideep Mazumdar

4. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Konsam Himalay Singh

5. Shri M.P. Bezbaruah (Chairperson)

6. Ms. Maivio Joram Woba

7. Dr. R.K. Ranjan Singh

8. Shri Rajat Bhatia

9. Ms. Rami Niranjan Desai

10. Amb. Riva Ganguly Das

11. Shri Sabyasachi Dutta

12. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Sanjay Kulkarni

13. Dr. Sem Haokip

14. Smt. Shakuntala Gamlin