Northeast, August 14 — The ongoing unrest in Manipur, which erupted in May of last year, has placed the state’s youth in a heart-wrenching dilemma: safeguarding their homeland versus pursuing their educational and career aspirations. As violent clashes between communities continue, thousands of young individuals, many under 30, have stepped up as village volunteers, prioritizing the defense of their communities over their personal ambitions.
Manipur, despite its economic challenges, has historically placed a strong emphasis on education. However, the escalating conflict has compelled many young people to temporarily abandon their studies to protect their villages. These volunteers have been guarding vulnerable areas, often at the cost of their own futures.
One leader of the village volunteers, now in his 30s, highlighted the sacrifices made by these youths. “Many of us have been away from our families for over a year, only visiting for a few hours at a time,” he shared. “Since the conflict began, thousands have come forward voluntarily to protect our communities. It’s difficult to quantify their numbers, but estimates suggest there may be over 50,000 volunteers, many of whom are still students from class 9 to graduation level.”
Despite their duties, these youths have not entirely given up on their education. They make a point to appear for exams, even if attending regular classes is impossible. “We advise all student volunteers not to drop their studies entirely,” the leader added. “Education remains crucial, but so does the protection of our villages.”
A 20-year-old volunteer from Imphal City, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree and an avid football player, expressed the internal conflict he faces daily. “Sometimes I miss my normal routine—going to college, attending football practice—but nothing is more important than protecting our state. I continue my studies by appearing for exams, even though I can’t attend classes. I have no regrets about diverting my life from its usual path. Protecting my motherland and my family is more important than anything else.”
Another young volunteer, who had hoped to take central service examinations, echoed these sentiments. “What’s the point of focusing solely on education when Manipur’s future is at stake?” he asked. “The youth have a responsibility to safeguard our state. While balancing both education and village protection is challenging, it’s necessary.”
These volunteers face not only the physical dangers of guarding conflict-prone areas but also the mental toll of prolonged stress and anxiety. To cope, they have begun incorporating fitness activities and peer counseling into their routines to maintain their health and morale.
When asked how long he would continue his voluntary service, one young man responded resolutely, “I will continue until this conflict is resolved. The authorities must ensure that the issue of illegal immigration is addressed and that Manipur’s territorial integrity is preserved.”
The conflict in Manipur, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has displaced many and claimed numerous lives since it began last May. While efforts to restore peace are ongoing, a lasting resolution has yet to be achieved. In the meantime, the youth of Manipur remain at the forefront, sacrificing their personal dreams for the future of their homeland.
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