The Assam Rifles has launched a remarkable initiative in Manipur to promote unity and peace through education. At a time when ethnic tensions and violence have deeply impacted daily life in the region, this initiative is focusing on rebuilding bridges between communities—starting with children. By organising educational tours, sports competitions, and cultural exchange activities for students, the Assam Rifles is trying to plant the seeds of mutual respect and understanding across divided communities.
I decided to write about this topic because what’s happening in Manipur needs attention—but not just for the conflict. It’s equally important to highlight the positive efforts being made to heal the wounds left behind. Education, in my opinion, is the most powerful tool for long-term peacebuilding. When students from different backgrounds interact, play, learn, and travel together, they begin to see each other as equals, not rivals. In a region where differences have been used to divide, efforts like these by Assam Rifles are using knowledge and unity as tools to reconnect people. We often talk about national security from the angle of weapons and defence, but real peace comes from classrooms, friendships, and shared experiences. That’s why this story is worth telling.
Education as a Bridge Between Communities
Manipur has witnessed serious unrest in recent years, especially ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. This has not only affected law and order but has deeply impacted education in the state. Schools have been destroyed, academic sessions interrupted, and children forced to migrate or live in fear.
Amidst this, the Assam Rifles stepped in with a different approach—bringing the youth from various communities together through educational engagement. This includes:
- Organising education tours to cities like Guwahati and Shillong so that students can explore academic institutes and interact with peers from different regions
- Holding inter-school quiz competitions, sports events, and cultural programmes to build teamwork and friendly competition
- Arranging career counselling sessions to help students from conflict-hit areas plan their future beyond violence and instability
These efforts might look simple on the surface, but they play a huge role in rebuilding broken trust.
Focus on Unity, Not Just Security
Normally, we think of the armed forces as only responsible for maintaining security. But in Manipur, Assam Rifles is showing another side—one of empathy and nation-building. The children involved in these programmes are not just getting books or prizes. They’re getting a sense of belonging, a feeling that someone cares about their future.
A good example of this is when students from different communities are paired together for team activities. They share meals, exchange stories, and slowly understand that they’re not so different from each other after all. When trust is built at a young age, it has the power to last a lifetime.
Parents and Teachers Are Also Involved
It’s not just the children who benefit. Many parents have expressed gratitude, saying that these initiatives have brought smiles back to their children’s faces after months of fear and tension. Some teachers have also joined in to mentor students during tours and events, giving them a break from the emotional toll of the conflict.
This whole-of-community approach helps spread the message that education can bring lasting peace—not just temporary calm.
What Needs to Be Done Next
While Assam Rifles’ efforts are commendable, long-term peace through education requires sustained work:
- State and Central governments must support such initiatives with better funding and infrastructure in border and conflict areas
- Counselling and emotional support systems should be set up in schools to help children process trauma
- More community-based programmes should be launched to involve local leaders, NGOs, and parents in peacebuilding
- Academic continuity plans should be developed in case of future disruptions, so that children’s education doesn’t suffer again
