Allegations of provocation followed, leading to retaliatory violence that rapidly spread across the State wherever Meitei and Zo communities lived close together. The Manipur High Court Order recommending ST status for the Meitei community provided the spark that ignited lingering frustrations. This raises questions: Is the Manipur state government only for the Meiteis? Although emotionally understandable, vigilantism undermines the rule of law, breeds chaos, harms innocent people, and perpetuates cycles of violence. Even under President's Rule, armed groups have taken on roles similar to the state, destroying poppy crops in villages like K. Songlung.