Manipur groups warn government of failure, issue final ultimatum

Protests were held in Imphal, Senapati, and Chandel. Organizers urged the Centre to take action, calling it a final warning.

In Manipur on Saturday, rallies in Imphal, Senapati, and Chandel saw protesters demanding the resignation of the state government. They urged the Centre to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state, protect tribal communities, and take steps for the return of families displaced due to violence. The organizers termed it a final warning to the central government, appealing for prompt action on their demands.

The main march in Imphal was organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Naga organizations, and Meitei community organizations. The march route was from Tidim Ground to Thau Ground. It saw participation from members of the Meitei community as well as representatives from 21-22 Naga tribes and other ethnic groups; the United Naga Council also supported it.

Security personnel stopped the procession at Kasampat Junction and did not allow it to proceed towards Lok Bhawan and other government buildings. The rally reached Thau Ground, where people gathered to voice their demands.

Protesters raised several demands regarding the ongoing ethnic violence and security arrangements in Manipur. They called for the suspension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with armed groups like the Kukis. Additionally, they demanded the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Manipur and the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year. Protesters stated that it is essential to address issues related to citizenship and population in the state. However, the practical and legal aspects of implementing the NRC with 1951 as the base year need to be considered separately.

The issue of the return of displaced families was also prominently raised during the rally. Protesters demanded that the government prepare a clear and time-bound plan for the safe return of those forced to leave their homes and villages due to violence. They argued that merely keeping the displaced in relief camps is not a permanent solution, and concrete steps should be taken to facilitate their return to their original villages and homes.

Participants in the rally criticized the current government for being ineffective in restoring peace in the state. The demands of the protesters clearly indicate that the discontent regarding the ongoing crisis in Manipur is not limited to security arrangements. It also includes issues related to government agreements with armed groups, the deployment of central security forces, questions of citizenship, and the rehabilitation of displaced persons.

However, the stance of the state and central governments on these demands and the clarity on their potential implementation remain to be seen.

Khuraijam Athouba, former convenor of COCOMI and member of the advisory committee, accused the Centre of failing to protect the lives and property of tribal communities. He demanded action against groups allegedly linked to a so-called proxy war and narco-terrorism. Athouba stated that the movement will continue until the Centre addresses their concerns and ensures security in the state.

After the rally, the organizing groups approved six proposals. These included demands for the safe resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons, the withdrawal of Assam Rifles, and the establishment of a neutral border management system. The proposals also reiterated the demand not to extend the SoO agreement and to implement the NRC with 1951 as the base year; this agreement is set to expire on September 24, 2026.

Protesters also demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen from the state cabinet. In Senapati, the Naga Peoples Organization, Senapati District Students Association, and Senapati District Women’s Association held separate demonstrations in support of the rally; a similar march occurred in Chandel. In both hilly districts, protesters demanded the termination of the SoO agreement and the resignation of Kipgen.

Protests began a few days after an ambush on 14 Meitei individuals, which resulted in three deaths. Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has been ongoing in the state since May 2023, claiming at least 306 lives so far, with many still missing.

However, the scope of violence in the state has not been limited to the Meitei and Kuki communities. Since February of this year, there have also been reports of clashes between the Kuki and Naga communities, resulting in approximately 50 deaths.

The continuous violent incidents and the rising number of casualties have raised questions about security arrangements and efforts to restore peace in Manipur. The ethnic conflict that began in 2023 continues to cause tension and violence in various parts of the state. Its impact has not only affected inter-community relations but has also posed challenges related to displacement, insecurity, and the restoration of normalcy in daily life.