Imphal, India – Thirteen-year-old Selina Mairembam carries the emotional and physical scars of a traumatic experience that forever altered her life. Each time she attempts to write or eat with her right hand, she is reminded of that harrowing day when a bomb nearly claimed her life.
Selina, who is the great-granddaughter of Mairembam Koireng Singh, the inaugural chief minister of Manipur, was helping prepare for a death ceremony when chaos erupted. On September 7, 2024, a powerful improvised explosive went off unexpectedly, leaving her in a state of shock surrounded by blood. When she regained consciousness, her first thought was one of despair; in that moment, she believed she had perished.
Once a spirited young girl, Selina now rarely speaks. She clutches the fragments of bomb shrapnel that once embedded themselves in her arm, whispering her fears of living with constant anxiety. This traumatic incident also claimed the life of Rabei, a well-respected priest and event manager, while leaving his family to grapple with their loss. His granddaughter, four-year-old Gianna Rajkumari, continues to experience nightmares, tormented by memories of her grandfather. Palmei Houjellu, Gianna’s mother, was nine months pregnant during the attack. Remarkably, minutes before the tragic event, she and her daughter managed to step out, narrowly escaping a more harrowing fate.
The conflict in Manipur, fueled by ethnic tensions and political disputes, has had devastating effects on its civilian population. The Meitei community, to which Selina belongs, represents the largest ethnic group in the state and has faced challenges related to affirmative action measures. The violence erupted following a High Court directive, igniting clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Since then, the situation has evolved into a prolonged crisis, resulting in over 260 fatalities and the displacement of more than 65,000 individuals.
Amid serious public discontent, Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned this past February. Once hailed as a leader committed to peace, his government faced accusations of exacerbating ethnic tensions. The availability of destructive weapons has further complicated the situation, as both armed communities engage in an alarming escalation of violence.
Despite recent efforts by security forces to maintain order, local experts express concern over a precarious situation that could ignite anew at any moment. Once a beacon of hope, Manipur now teeters on the edge of chaos. The community is characterized not only by resilience but also by a profound desire for peace amid adversity.
Various incidents of violence and attacks have painted a grim picture of people’s lives disrupted in an atmosphere of fear. As families search for closure, the lack of accountability for crimes committed leaves many without answers, deepening despair in a landscape once filled with vibrant history and culture.
Efforts toward reconciliation and stability are essential as the government seeks to restore order and trust within the affected communities. The road to peace may be arduous, but the indomitable spirit of the people remains a guiding light through these troubled times.
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