Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part L (2025)

This article explores the ongoing development gap between Manipur’s hills and valley through the idea of infrastructural power. Although infrastructure is often seen as neutral, the study shows that roads and schools are unevenly built and maintained, deepening spatial, ethnic, and political divides. Using data from research papers, government reports, and media sources, it finds that the Imphal Valley has denser, better-quality infrastructure and easier access to education, while hill districts struggle with poor connectivity, higher transport costs, long travel distances, and frequent disruption due to conflict. The article also points out that financial allocations don’t always lead to real improvements in the hills. By linking these patterns to broader themes of unequal state capacity and development justice, the study explains how weak implementation fuels exclusion and political dissatisfaction in Manipur.