In an exclusive interview, senior bureaucrat Ashish Kundra, who has served in Northeast for 8 years and authored the book ‘A Resurgent Northeast: Narratives of Change,’ sheds light on the Manipur violence. He highlights that the violence in Manipur, which resulted in the deaths of 73 people due to ethnic clashes, has been fueled by “vested interests.” However, Kundra emphasizes that the youth in Manipur have rejected such incidents and will ultimately reject violence.
Unfortunate Incidents Driven by Vested Interests
Kundra explains that the incidents in Manipur are deeply unfortunate, and the violence has been instigated by certain groups with vested interests. These groups have exploited the economic insecurities and job opportunities to incite passions and tensions among the different communities in Manipur. Despite this, Kundra believes that there has historically been a harmonious coexistence between the hill tribes and the plain people in Manipur.
The Maturity of the Manipur People

Despite the recent violent clashes in Manipur, Kundra expresses confidence that the people of Manipur will have the maturity to move on. He notes that Manipur has witnessed significant violence in the past, and there has been a heavy presence of armed forces. Moreover, there have been protests against the Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act (AFSPA) in the state. Kundra believes that the aspirations of the Manipuri youth are strong, and they will not accept violence as a means to achieve their goals.
Long-Term Peace and Stability
Kundra predicts that the current phase of violence in Manipur will eventually subside, emphasizing that the people of Manipur will not allow violence to persist indefinitely. He points out that Manipur has a history of experiencing violence and has a resilient population. Moreover, the presence of armed forces and protests against the AFSPA reflect the desire for peace and normalcy. Kundra believes that the youth’s aspirations and the overall maturity of the Manipur people will lead them towards a peaceful and stable future.
Book: A Resurgent Northeast: Narratives of Change
Ashish Kundra’s recently launched book, ‘A Resurgent Northeast: Narratives of Change,’ provides insights into the transformation and progress of the Northeast region of India. As a senior bureaucrat with extensive experience in the region, Kundra offers a comprehensive account of the changes and challenges faced by the Northeast. The book sheds light on the potential of the Northeast and highlights the efforts and achievements in various sectors that contribute to its resurgence.
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