Episode 7 of Mission Manipur (“Separation”) explores the harrowing experiences of individuals caught in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. The episode sheds light on the plight of families torn apart due to inter-community marriages and mixed parentage, highlighting their struggle for survival in a deeply divided society.

We meet a young man of Meitei and Kuki-Zo descent, who finds himself trapped in Imphal and unable to reunite with his displaced mother in Churachandpur. His identity makes him a target in both communities, forcing difficult choices upon his family. Similarly, the tragic death of a seven-year-old boy of mixed parentage, who was burned alive in an ambulance attack, underscores the brutal rejection of those caught between warring factions.

Women are forced to make heartbreaking decisions—separating from loved ones to ensure safety or financial survival. Children, too, bear the burden, as seen in the case of an 11-year-old who prioritises education despite displacement. These deeply personal narratives reveal the immense suffering of those whose identities blur rigid communal lines, exposing them to violence, alienation, and an uncertain future.