DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd April 2026

Subject: Environment – Wetland Conservation; Ramsar Convention; Migratory Birds; Central Asian Flyway; Shekha Jheel.

Why in News?

• Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh designated as a Ramsar site on April 22, 2026
• India’s total Ramsar sites: 99 (one short of 100)
• Uttar Pradesh’s tally: 12 Ramsar sites

About Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary

• Location: Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh; part of the Upper Ganga Plain.
• Ecological Role: Important stopover on the Central Asian Flyway; key winter habitat for migratory birds.
• Key Species: Bar-headed Goose, Painted Stork (near-threatened), and various ducks.

Ramsar Convention Context

What is Ramsar Convention?

• International treaty for conservation and wise use of wetlands
• Signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran
• Also known as Convention on Wetlands
• India became a signatory in 1982

India’s Ramsar Sites – Key Statistics

Current Status (as of April 22, 2026)

• Total Ramsar sites: 99
• Total wetland area covered: approximately 1.33 million hectares

Central Asian Flyway (CAF)

Definition

• One of the world’s nine major migratory bird flyways
• Stretches from Siberia (Russia) to the Indian Ocean (including Indian subcontinent)
• Shekha Jheel is a critical stopover on this route

Significance for India

• India hosts millions of migratory birds annually along this flyway
• Wetlands like Shekha Jheel provide feeding, resting, and breeding grounds
• Conservation of such sites is crucial for global biodiversity

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Environment & Ecology Syllabus)

• Ramsar Convention (1971): International treaty for wetland conservation; India signatory since 1982
• Criteria for Ramsar designation: Nine criteria including biodiversity support, waterbird populations, rare ecosystems
• Central Asian Flyway (CAF): One of nine global flyways; covers 30 countries
• Montreux Record: List of Ramsar sites under threat; India has sites like Keoladeo National Park

Dynamic (Current Affairs – April 2026)

• Shekha Jheel – 99th Ramsar site (April 22, 2026)
• Uttar Pradesh – 12 Ramsar sites 
• India close to 100 Ramsar sites – historic milestone
• Central Asian Flyway – Shekha Jheel as critical stopover

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2254357&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Art & Culture – Indian Philosophy; Advaita Vedanta; Adi Shankaracharya; Four Mathas; Spiritual Unifier.

Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Adi Shankaracharya on his Jayanti (birth anniversary) on April 21, 2026
• PM highlighted his profound teachings, Advaita Vedanta philosophy, and efforts to revitalise spiritual thought and establish spiritual centres across India

Who was Adi Shankaracharya?

Time Period

• Born: 788 CE (traditional date) – died: 820 CE
• Born in Kalady, Kerala (on the banks of Periyar river)

Key Contributions

Advaita Vedanta Philosophy

• Propounded the doctrine of Advaita (non-dualism) – ultimate reality is Brahman (formless, attributeless, universal consciousness)
• Taught that Atman (individual self) and Brahman (universal self) are one and the same
• World is Maya (illusory) – only Brahman is real
• Key phrase: “Brahma Satyam, Jagan Mithya, Jivo Brahmaiva Na Aparah” (Brahman is real, the world is illusory, the individual self is none other than Brahman)

Revitalisation of Hinduism

• Revived Sanatana Dharma at a time when Buddhism and Jainism were dominant
• Travelled across India four times (digvijaya) – from Kerala to Kashmir to Puri to Dwarka
• Engaged in shastrartha (philosophical debates) with scholars of other traditions and established supremacy of Advaita

Establishment of Four Mathas (Monasteries)

• Established four cardinal mathas in four corners of India – each headed by a Shankaracharya

Literary Works

• Commentaries on Brahma Sutras, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita
• Composed stotras (hymns) – Bhaja Govindam, Shivananda Lahari, Soundarya Lahari, Kanakadhara Stotram
• Wrote Vivekachudamani (Crest-Jewel of Discrimination) – a treatise on Advaita

Key Philosophical Concepts

Advaita (Non-Dualism)

• No distinction between creator and creation – everything is Brahman
• Liberation (Moksha) is realization of this oneness, not attainment of a new state

Maya (Illusion)

• The world appears real but is ultimately illusory
• Ignorance (Avidya) of our true nature causes suffering

Jnana Yoga

• Path of knowledge – direct realization of self is the only path to liberation
• Emphasized Jnana (knowledge) over rituals (Karma) and devotion (Bhakti)

Legacy and Influence

Spiritual Unifier of India

• Established a pan-Indian spiritual infrastructure – four mathas in four directions
• Created a sense of cultural and spiritual unity across diverse regions

Influence on Modern Thinkers

• Swami Vivekananda was deeply influenced by Advaita Vedanta
• Ramana Maharshi taught self-inquiry (Who am I?) rooted in Advaita
• Influence on Western philosophers and scientists (Schopenhauer, Erwin Schrödinger)

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Art & Culture / Philosophy Syllabus)

• Six schools of Hindu philosophy: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta (Advaita is a sub-school of Vedanta)
• Upanishads: Philosophical texts (108 total; 11 principal/mukhya Upanishads)
• Brahma Sutras: One of three canonical texts of Vedanta (along with Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita)
• Three paths to liberation: Karma Yoga (action), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Jnana Yoga (knowledge)

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti – April 21, 2026 (PM Modi’s tribute)
• Four mathas – still active; heads (Shankaracharyas) hold significant religious authority
• Advaita’s global influence – continues to guide spiritual seekers worldwide
• PM’s reference to “harmony, discipline and oneness” – Advaita as unifying philosophy for diverse India

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2254074&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Economy – Road Safety; Infrastructure Development; MoRTH; Highway Safety Standards.

Why in News?

• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has deployed Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) on many sections of National Highways
• One concessionaire operating 9 National Highway projects (681 km across Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat) has deployed 33 TMAs and 15 Towable TMAs (TTMAs)
• All units comply with global safety standards including MASH Test Level-3 (TL-3) and NCHRP 350 Test Level-3

What are Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs)?

Definition

• Specially designed impact-absorbing safety devices mounted on trucks
• Deployed in highway work zones to protect workers and road users

How They Work

• In event of collision, TMAs absorb and dissipate kinetic energy
• Reduce force of impact – acts like an “invisible shield” between danger and human life
• Designed to withstand impacts at speeds of up to 100 km/h

Benefits

• Protect maintenance crews working ahead of the vehicle
• Reduce injury risks for occupants of the impacting vehicle
• Minimize severity of accidents in highway work zones

Early Warning Systems

Integrated Wig-Wag Warning Lights

• High-intensity lights that flash in alternating patterns forming directional arrows
• Provide clear and timely warnings to approaching drivers

Critical in Hazardous Conditions

• High-speed highway corridors
• Night-time operations
• Foggy or low-visibility conditions

MoRTH’s Safety Vision

Background

• MoRTH actively expanding National Highways – focus not just on faster connectivity but on global-level safety standards
• Maintenance and construction zones on busy highways are among the most vulnerable areas

Key Challenges

• Speeding vehicles
• Limited visibility
• High-risk environments for workers

Proactive Measures

• MoRTH consistently encourages concessionaires to adopt advanced safety interventions
• TMAs represent global best practices now being implemented in India

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Economy / Polity Syllabus)

• MoRTH: Nodal ministry for development of National Highways (NHs)
• NH network length: ~1,45,000 km (as of 2025)
• Bharatmala Pariyojana: Umbrella program for highway development (Phase I: 34,800 km)
• Highway safety provisions: Under Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• Deployment of TMAs – first large-scale adoption in India
• MASH TL-3 compliance – alignment with global safety standards
• AP and Gujarat – two states where concessionaire operates 9 projects
• 681 km covered – significant milestone in highway safety management

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2254153&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Economy – MSME Sector; Skill Development; Financial Inclusion; Traditional Artisans; PM Vishwakarma.

Why in News?

• Ministry of MSME organized a breakaway session on “Sustainable Livelihood through PM Vishwakarma” at Vigyan Bhawan on 18th Civil Services Day (April 21, 2026)
• Scheme has achieved over 30 lakh registrations
• Conferred Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024

About PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Launch

• Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023 (Vishwakarma Jayanti)

Objective

• Empower traditional artisans and craftspeople across India
• Transition from informal livelihoods to sustainable enterprises
• Attract youth towards traditional crafts

Coverage

• 18 traditional trades including: carpentry, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, sculpture, tailoring, fishing net making, etc.
• Follows Guru-Shishya Parampara approach (traditional mentorship model)

Key Implementation Framework

Whole-of-Government Approach

• Ministry of MSME (lead)
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
• Department of Financial Services
• Department of Posts

100% Paperless and End-to-End Digital Mechanism

• Dedicated digital portal for beneficiary enrolment and lifecycle management
• Ensures transparency, efficiency, and ease of access

Skill Development Component (Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary MSDE)

• Over 23 lakh beneficiaries completed basic training
• Advanced training programmes rolled out to enhance productivity and enterprise capabilities

Credit Component (Manoj Muttathil Ayyappan, JS, DFS)

• Collateral-free credit and interest subvention enabled large-scale financial inclusion
• Focus on process simplification, financial literacy, and last-mile banking support

Toolkit Delivery (Vandita Kaul, Secretary, Department of Posts)

• Over 15 lakh toolkits delivered across country, including remote regions
• Innovative e-voucher-based mechanism with real-time tracking
• India Post ensures last-mile delivery

Market Support

• Participation in major marketing events
• Collaboration with e-commerce platforms
• One Station One Product (OSOP) initiative of Indian Railways (product showcasing at railway stations)

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Economy / Social Justice Syllabus)

• Ministry of MSME: Nodal ministry for micro, small and medium enterprises
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI): Principal financial institution for MSME sector
• Department of Posts: Last-mile delivery network (India Post has ~1.55 lakh post offices)
• PM’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration: Annual award for innovation in governance (established 2006)

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• 30 lakh+ registrations achieved
• 23 lakh+ trained under skill component
• 15 lakh+ toolkits delivered via India Post e-voucher mechanism
• Prime Minister’s Award 2024 conferred
• Civil Services Day 2026 session highlighted scheme’s success

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2254245&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Economy – Export Performance; Marine Products; MPEDA; Frozen Shrimp; Market Diversification.

Why in News?

• India’s seafood exports rose to a record ₹72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion) in FY 2025-26
• Volumes reached 19.32 lakh metric tonnes
• Data released by Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)

Key Highlights

Overall Performance

• Total export value: ₹72,325.82 crore (US$ 8.28 billion)
• Total volume: 19.32 lakh metric tonnes
• Frozen shrimp remained primary growth driver – contributed ₹47,973.13 crore (US$ 5.51 billion)
• Frozen shrimp accounted for over two-thirds of total export earnings

Shrimp Sector

• Volume growth: 4.6%
• Value growth: 6.35%
• Reinforced its dominance in India’s marine products export basket

Market Diversification: US Decline Offset by China, EU, SE Asia

United States (Largest Destination)

• Imports totalled US$ 2.32 billion
• Declined 19.8% in volume and 14.5% in value
• Impact of reciprocal tariffs cited as primary reason

China (Second Largest Destination)

• Value growth: +22.7%
• Volume growth: +20.1%
• Offset US decline

European Union

• Value growth: +37.9%
• Volume growth: +35.2%
• Strongest growth among major markets

Southeast Asia

• Value growth: +36.1%
• Volume growth: +28.2%

Japan

• Value growth: +6.55%

West Asia

• Marginal decline: -0.55% (due to turmoil in the region at the end of financial year)

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Economy / Geography Syllabus)

• MPEDA: Established 1972 under MPEDA Act, 1972; headquartered in Kochi
• Major seafood exporting states: Andhra Pradesh (largest), West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha
• Major shrimp species: Penaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) – dominates exports
• Aquaculture in India: India is second-largest fish producer globally; largest shrimp producer

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• Record exports: ₹72,326 crore – all-time high
• US decline (-14.5%) due to reciprocal tariffs
• EU surge (+37.9%) – fastest growing major market
• China surge (+22.7%) – second largest destination
• West Asia marginal decline (-0.55%) – impact of Iran-Israel-US war
• Top 5 ports – 64% of export value

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2254282&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Environment & Ecology / Economy / Geography – covers global water stress, climate-resilient infrastructure, SDG 6, World Bank initiatives, and India’s water security schemes

Why in News?

• In April 2026, the World Bank launched the ‘Water Forward’ programme to tackle global water stress.
• The initiative aims to build climate-resilient water systems and ensure sustainable water security, especially in developing and vulnerable economies.

What is ‘Water Forward’?

Definition

• A global financing and technical assistance programme by the World Bank.
• Focuses on integrated water resource management (IWRM) to address growing water scarcity, climate variability, and deteriorating water infrastructure.

Core Objectives

• Enhance water security for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
• Promote climate-resilient water infrastructure (e.g., desalination, wastewater recycling, aquifer recharge).
• Support policy and institutional reforms for water governance.
• Mobilize public and private finance for water projects.

India’s Context and Relevance

India’s Water Stress

• India is one of the most water-stressed countries globally (per the World Bank and NITI Aayog).
• Groundwater depletion, river pollution, and uneven monsoon patterns (exacerbated by climate change) threaten agriculture, industry, and domestic supply.

Alignment with National Schemes

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) : Har Ghar Jal (tap water for every rural household).
• National Rural Drinking Water Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana (groundwater management).
• Namami Gange Programme (river rejuvenation).

Potential Support from ‘Water Forward’

• Technical assistance for water recycling and desalination plants (especially in coastal cities like Chennai, Mumbai).
• Financing for climate-resilient urban water systems (flood control, stormwater management).
• Knowledge sharing on water pricing and demand-side management.

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Geography/Economy Syllabus)

• Water as a resource (renewable but finite; uneven distribution in India).
• Causes of water stress (over-extraction, pollution, climate change, population growth).
• Constitutional provisions (Entry 17, State List – water; but interstate rivers under Union List Entry 56).

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• Launch of ‘Water Forward’ (April 2026) – World Bank’s renewed focus on water security.
• India’s participation likely in line with its G20 presidency legacy (2023) on water and climate.
• Integration with existing schemes – potential for enhanced international funding for JJM and Atal Bhujal Yojana.

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/world-bank-launches-water-forward-programme-tackle-global-water-stress-2026-04-15/

Subject: Polity & Governance – Government Schemes; Social Justice – Skill Development; Internal Security – Border Area Development

News Context:
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) conducted a capacity-building workshop (April 2026) to review and accelerate skilling initiatives under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Key Features of Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)

• Launched by MHA to develop 662 border villages. 
• Covers: Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Ladakh. 
• Objective: Transform remote border villages into “first villages” (not last), ensuring connectivity, livelihood, and security. 

Role of MSDE in VVP

• Aligns skill proposals with schemes like Skill India Mission. 
• Functions: 
  • Proposal evaluation & sanctioning 
  • Implementation monitoring 
  • Certification via Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) 
• 74 skill projects sanctioned so far. 

Implementation Focus Areas

• Demand-driven skilling (local livelihood needs) 
• In-situ training using schools, ITIs, community centres 
• Stakeholder convergence: SSDMs, SSCs, District Administrations 
• Challenges: trainer shortage, mobilisation gaps, infrastructure deficits 

UPSC-Oriented Analysis

• Links border area development with human capital formation (static: regional development policies). 
• Possible questions: scheme objectives, nodal ministry, states covered, role of skilling ecosystem. 

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2254251&reg=3&lang=1

GS Paper II – Polity & Governance (Judiciary) | GS Paper IV – Ethics
Judicial Ethics; Recusal Jurisprudence; Independence of Judiciary; Natural Justice

Introduction

Judicial authority depends on impartiality, rooted in nemo judex in causa sua and the guarantee of a fair hearing under Articles 14 and 21. 

Recent controversies—such as Arvind Kejriwal’s failed recusal plea and the Supreme Court’s reluctance to set clear guidelines—highlight tensions between judicial discretion, litigant rights, and institutional integrity.

Main Body

The Foundational Principle: Justice Must Be Seen to Be Done

The Objective Test (Ranjit Thakur v. Union of India, 1987):

• Not whether the judge is actually biased, but whether a reasonable litigant would apprehend unfairness
• The judge’s own belief in impartiality is irrelevant
• Standard is objective, based on the fair-minded observer

Legal Framework: Discretion, Not Regulation

No Codified Rules:

• India has no statutory regulation governing recusal
• Process based on judicial precedents, ethics, and judge’s conscience
• Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997) provides ethical guidance only

Supreme Court Position (2025):

• Rejected plea seeking recusal guidelines (Chandraprabha v. Union of India)
• Held recusal is “a matter of discretion of the concerned judges”
• No external authority can compel withdrawal; no appeal if judge refuses

Common Grounds for Recusal

• Pecuniary interest (direct financial stake)
• Family relationship with party or counsel
• Previous involvement as counsel in same case
• Personal bias (hostility or favouritism)
• Prior concluded opinion on exact issue

The Duty to Sit vs. Doctrine of Necessity

Duty to Sit:

• Judge should not abdicate responsibility unless grounds are legally sound
• Refusing recusal is not defiance but a safeguard against “judge-shopping”

Doctrine of Necessity:

• If recusal would lead to failure of justice due to unavailability of judges, a biased body may have to decide

When Refusal Is Justified:

• Mere allegations without substantive evidence
• Frivolous or strategic applications aimed at delay
• Dissatisfaction with judicial rulings or perceived sternness

The Kejriwal Recusal Plea (2026)

Grounds Alleged:

• Justice Sharma’s attendance at events organised by Adhivakta Parishad (alleged RSS affiliation)
• RTI disclosures showing her children empanelled as Central government counsel

Court’s Decision:

• Dismissed recusal application, holding no “demonstrable cause”
• Warning: stepping aside on perceived bias would set a “disturbing precedent”

Justice Abhay S Oka’s View (Former SC Judge):

• Proper remedy is to apply to Chief Justice for transfer, not to “embarrass the judge in open court”
• Prima facie views during hearings do not constitute recusal grounds

The Higher Standard: “Iota of Doubt”

Advocated by Legal Commentators:

• “If there is even an iota of doubt in the mind of a reasonable litigant about impartiality, the judge has a duty to recuse”

Counter-Argument:

• “Iota of doubt” standard, if strictly applied, would paralyse the judiciary
• Every dissatisfied litigant could manufacture an apprehension
• Ranjit Thakur standard requires reasonable apprehension, not any apprehension

The NCLAT Influence Allegation (2025)

Facts:

• Justice Sharad Kumar Sharma recused himself, recording that a “revered member of higher judiciary” approached him to seek a favourable order
• Supreme Court ordered inquiry by Secretary General

Significance:

• Not about perceived bias but actual judicial interference
• Goes to the heart of judicial independence

Way Forward: Transparency, Not Codification

• Judges should disclose potential conflicts at the outset
• Proper remedy for litigants: apply to Chief Justice for transfer
• Frivolous recusal applications may attract costs (Neeti Sharma v. Kailash Chand Gupta, Delhi HC, 2025)
• Law Commission could examine a Judicial Ethics Code with clear recusal guidelines

Conclusion

Recusal jurisprudence balances judicial independence with litigant rights, guided by the principle that justice must be seen to be done. The Ranjit Thakur test allows recusal only on reasonable apprehension of bias, while the duty to sit guards against misuse. Yet, structural conflicts can undermine perceived impartiality. The dismissal of Arvind Kejriwal’s plea underscores judicial discretion, but concerns of bias persist. The solution lies in transparency—clear disclosures, reasoned orders, and effective case transfers.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. Recusal jurisprudence safeguards judicial impartiality. Critically examine the legal framework for judge recusal in India, and discuss the tensions between judicial discretion and litigant rights. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/lesson-from-arvind-kejriwal-demands-for-a-judges-recusal-dont-blur-red-lines-in-the-courtroom-10648990/

https://www.barandbench.com/news/supreme-court-guidelines-judicial-recusal-discretion-judges

GS Paper III – Internal Security | GS Paper II – Polity & Governance
Ethnic Violence; Border Management; Humanitarian Crisis; Rehabilitation; Centre-State Dynamics

Introduction

Since May 2023, Manipur has witnessed ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo/Naga groups, leaving over 260 dead and nearly 60,000 displaced. Triggered by the ST status demand for Meiteis, the crisis exposed deep ethnic divides, weakened law and order, and border vulnerabilities with Myanmar. Despite President’s Rule and a new government, continued unrest shows that containment has failed and lasting reconciliation is essential.

Main Body

Roots of the Crisis: Ethnic Fault Lines and Governance Failures

The current conflict is not sudden but the result of decades of “administrative abstinence”. Dipping indices of employment, education, and healthcare have hardened identity politics among Meiteis, Kuki-Zos, and Nagas.

The 2023 Trigger: A Manipur High Court directive to the state government to consider ST status for the majority Meitei community. Kuki-Zo groups feared this would dilute their existing rights over land and jobs, leading to widespread protests that turned violent on May 3, 2023.

Root Causes:

• Historical Grievances: Competition over land, forest rights, and government jobs between valley and hill communities.
• Porous Border: The unfenced 398-km border with Myanmar allows free movement of insurgents, weapons, and narcotics. The 2021 Myanmar military coup intensified arms flow and refugee influx, destabilising the region.
• Developmental Neglect: Lack of economic opportunities fuels alienation, making youth vulnerable to militant recruitment.

Internal Security Challenges: Militancy, Weapons, and Polarisation

Manipur’s internal security architecture is under severe strain due to the proliferation of arms and the ethnic divide within the police force.

• Weapons Proliferation: The conflict has seen the use of sophisticated weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades and improvised mortars. On April 7, 2026, a projectile attack killed two children in Tronglaobi, triggering the latest wave of unrest. The “free flow of weapons” remains an urgent security challenge.
• Cyber Threats & Hate Speech: Militant groups use social media to incite violence. Manipur Police recently arrested individuals for spreading inflammatory content online, highlighting the new digital dimension of internal security threats.
• Security Forces Under Fire: There have been instances of protesters storming CRPF camps and vandalising property. In a worrying development, a Manipur policeman was arrested for joining violent protests and “turning on his own force,” revealing deep ethnic polarisation within the state’s law enforcement machinery.

Law and Order Breakdown: From Polarisation to Paralysis

The ethnic divide has crippled the criminal justice system.

• Police Polarisation: Kuki officers retreated from Meitei-dominated valleys, and Meitei officers left Kuki areas. This led to allegations of bias in registering FIRs, with “zero FIRs” being filed for crimes in hostile territories.
• Relief Camp Conditions: Two years into the conflict, over 58,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) live in 281 relief camps. Reports highlight a lack of food, sanitation, healthcare, and education, leading to a “slow humanitarian disaster”.
• Protest and Civil Unrest: Following the April 2026 killings, massive protests led to curfews, internet shutdowns, and clashes with security forces. Civil society groups have called for boycotts, indicating that “the fractures of the past two years remain largely unhealed”.

The Border State Dimension: Myanmar’s Spillover Effect

Manipur is a critical border state in India’s Act East Policy, but its connectivity with Myanmar is a double-edged sword.

• Strategic Vulnerability: The India-Myanmar border is highly porous. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar has led to an influx of refugees and allowed ethnic armed groups (EAOs) from Myanmar to exploit kinship ties with Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur.
• Fencing and FMR: The government is constructing a fence along the border and scrapped the Free Movement Regime (FMR) to curb illegal movement. However, experts note that this disrupts traditional social networks and may not be sufficient without a comprehensive regional security strategy.
• Geopolitical Competition: China’s growing influence in Myanmar, including support for the military junta and infrastructure projects, poses a long-term strategic challenge. Beijing could potentially use ethnic tensions in Manipur to exert pressure on New Delhi.

Government Response and Rehabilitation Efforts

The central and state governments have initiated several measures, but critics argue they are inadequate.

• President’s Rule (Feb 2025): Imposed after the resignation of N. Biren Singh, aiming to stabilise the administration.
• Housing for IDPs: The Centre approved the construction of 5,000 houses under PMAY-G for displaced families. The state has resettled 16,500 IDPs so far, though tens of thousands remain in camps.
• Bridge-Building: Chief Minister Khemchand Singh has met Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul leaders. However, militants attacked a village the day after his visit, highlighting the fragility of peace efforts.

Way Forward: From Containment to Repair

The crisis requires a shift from reactive security measures to proactive political and humanitarian repair.

• Humanitarian Priority: Immediate improvement of relief camp conditions and expedited rehabilitation for the 60,000 displaced persons.
• Weapons Freeze: A concerted campaign to recover looted and illegally held weapons.
• Inclusive Dialogue: A time-bound political dialogue involving all stakeholders (Meitei, Kuki, Naga) to address land rights, political representation, and internal boundaries.
• Border Management: Strategic fencing of the Myanmar border combined with community-specific engagement to prevent the spillover of external conflicts.
• Accountability: Prosecution of hate speech and violence must be swift and impartial to restore trust in the justice system, as emphasised by human rights bodies.

Conclusion

The Manipur crisis shows how identity tensions, underdevelopment, and porous borders can threaten internal security. With mass displacement and cross-border spillovers from Myanmar, restoring peace requires more than force—priority must be given to rehabilitation, arms control, and inclusive dialogue. Lasting stability depends on justice, accountability, and empathetic governance.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

The Manipur crisis reflects the nexus between ethnic identity, internal security, and porous borders. Critically examine the causes of ethnic violence in Manipur. How do cross-border linkages with Myanmar intensify the conflict, and what measures are needed for lasting peace? (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/in-manipur-old-wounds-call-for-repair-not-containment-10649014/