Conflict
“The main focus of my photography is people, and I feel content if emotions are somehow captured in my images. Photography became a part of me, and going out more, meeting new people, learning about their experiences, and being able to tell their stories gave me a purpose in life. As a photojournalist from the region, I felt compelled to cover the conflict for several reasons. Being from Manipur, I have seen the impact of the conflict on my community and wanted to share the stories of those affected. The conflict is often overlooked by mainstream media, and I wanted to amplify the voices of those suffering and highlight the human cost. By sharing my work, I hope to raise awareness about the conflict and its effects, encouraging dialogue and promoting understanding.

“While covering the conflict, I faced numerous challenges. Safety concerns were ever-present, with personal safety risks including physical harm, detention, or harassment constantly weighing on my mind. The emotional toll of witnessing traumatic events, hearing personal stories, and seeing the impact on the affected people was also significant. Limited resources, including inadequate equipment and funding, further constrained my ability to cover the story extensively. Building trust with affected people who had experienced trauma and exploitation was challenging, requiring empathy, understanding, and a deep respect for their experiences. Balancing objectivity and empathy was a delicate task as I sought to maintain a neutral perspective while conveying the emotional and personal aspects of the conflict. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to sharing the stories and experiences of those affected by the conflict.

Witnessing the Violence
“Witnessing the violence during the ethnic conflict was a harrowing experience. The atmosphere was tense, with a sense of uncertainty palpable in the air. The emotions were raw, with anger, sadness, and desperation etched on the faces of those affected. I always keep my eyes open and observe what is happening around me. I always engage my subjects with respect and empathy, trying to build their trust by explaining clearly what I do and what my intentions are, which results in authentic photographs. I don’t just put my camera in front of people’s faces before getting to know them and spending time with them.

A Memorable Photograph
“A photo of mine that stood out to me was of a young boy’s mother who escaped from Churachandpur. It was the day when around 500 people were first evacuated to Imphal. I met her and wanted to know how she escaped from Churachandpur. Hearing her stories and the harrowing experiences she witnessed really touched me and inspired me to discover and document hidden stories.”