Conflict zones and childhood: The impact of violence on Manipur's future generations

As the nation celebrates Children's Day with cheer, highlighting the promise of young lives and the rights of children, a shadow looms over parts of India where conflict disrupts childhood and clouds the horizon of hope. Among these regions, Manipur has faced relentless waves of violence, leaving profound scars on its most vulnerable: the children. These children, who are meant to embody the future’s promise, are instead living in an environment where insecurity, trauma, and uncertainty dictate their lives. To understand the true impact of this violence on Manipur’s young population, we must delve deep into the multifaceted consequences that extend far beyond their immediate reality and ripple into their future.

Violence, in its many forms, inflicts an unseen but enduring mark on the psyche of children. For the children of Manipur, exposure to ethnic clashes, armed conflict, and unrest has created a norm where safety is a luxury and peace is fleeting. Studies in conflict regions worldwide have shown that continuous exposure to violence leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For Manipur’s children, these are not distant threats but lived experiences. The sounds of gunfire, the sight of armed personnel, and the stories of loss have become ingrained parts of their childhood.

During a media interaction held on October 24, 2024 at the Manipur Press Club, Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) chairperson Keisham Pradipkumar mentioned that the ongoing violence in Manipur has resulted in a grave humanitarian crisis that has displaced more than 25,000 children since May 3, 2023. These children, who have been uprooted from their homes and separated from their families, are suffering from severe emotional and physical trauma. The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has raised serious concerns about the violations of child rights that are continuing to unfold amid the unrest.

Pradipkumar stated that the rights of the displaced children are being violated repeatedly, as they are subjected to the loss of homes, families, and a sense of safety. "These children are facing not only physical displacement but emotional distress as they are torn from their homes, forced into shelters, and, in some cases, left to fend for themselves," he emphasized.

Children who experience trauma early in life often struggle with emotional regulation, forming healthy relationships, and achieving cognitive milestones. The continuous threat can impair their ability to concentrate, study, and imagine a life free from violence. The classroom, which should be a place of learning and growth, becomes a place where young minds grapple with disrupted education and fractured routines. Teachers and caregivers face the dual challenge of educating children while also providing emotional support that they may not be equipped to deliver.

Education, often viewed as the cornerstone of hope and progress, suffers immensely in conflict-ridden areas. Schools in Manipur have intermittently become sites of turmoil or have been closed due to safety concerns, disrupting academic schedules and undermining students' ability to achieve consistent learning. The impact of missed school days and the erratic availability of educational resources leave a mark that extends far into the future. 

Beyond attendance, the content of education itself shifts under the pressure of conflict. Teachers may hesitate to discuss subjects that could inadvertently trigger trauma or stir up fears among children. The focus on holistic education, which fosters curiosity, creativity, and resilience, is narrowed to merely maintaining academic basics in the face of disruption.

Many children, particularly in rural areas or those directly affected by violence, abandon schooling altogether. For these children, aspirations shrink to the immediate needs of safety and survival. Higher education and career ambitions, essential components of individual and community growth, recede into distant possibilities. The lost potential of each child becomes a lost opportunity for the region’s future development, exacerbating cycles of poverty and limiting socioeconomic mobility.

The violence in Manipur does more than just disturb the individual—it tears at the social fabric. Children in conflict zones often experience dislocation, whether through the loss of family members, forced migration, or the separation from friends and familiar communities. The absence of stable social bonds and supportive networks can stifle the development of empathy, trust, and a sense of belonging.

In places where ethnic or communal violence is a driver, children are exposed to narratives of division that may shape their worldviews for years to come. Mistrust becomes ingrained, creating barriers to future reconciliation efforts. Without targeted interventions that foster unity and peacebuilding from an early age, these children may grow up adhering to the very prejudices that fueled the violence in the first place.

The long-term effects of violence on Manipur's children are not confined to the psychological or educational realms but extend into socioeconomic dimensions. Children who grow up amid conflict often become part of a "lost generation" that finds it difficult to break into stable jobs or achieve financial independence. The region’s development is hindered as a whole when its future workforce is marred by undereducation, limited skills, and compromised mental health.

Manipur, with its natural beauty and cultural richness, holds immense potential for growth in tourism, agriculture, and arts. Yet, the potential remains underutilized when the youth who would be the drivers of such growth are consumed by the effects of violence. To build a resilient society, it is crucial for the state and stakeholders to focus on sustainable peace efforts and policies that prioritize the healing and rehabilitation of young minds.

The path to healing for Manipur’s children lies in a multifaceted approach that addresses not only the immediate impacts of violence but also the long-term nurturing of hope and opportunity. Psychological support services, trauma-informed education, and programs designed to rebuild trust among communities must become priorities. It is essential to create safe spaces where children can learn, play, and grow without the shadow of conflict. Investment in youth-focused peacebuilding initiatives can help transform these children from victims of violence into champions of peace and change.