A joint sit-in protest was staged by the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), All Manipur Women Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), PLMPAM and COHR, demanding the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups, protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and an end to the ongoing violence.
The protesters also demanded measures to ensure that internally displaced persons (IDPs) return to their respective homes, stressing the need to restore peace and normalcy in the conflict-affected state.
The sit-in protest was followed by a rally that proceeded from Khuyathong Pukhri Achouba Mapal towards the D.M. College gate, along a route previously taken by public gatherings.
During the protest, MSF president Hijam Roshan and AMUCO president Sanjoy criticised Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh over his reported remarks concerning the “Bodoland Happiness Mission” at the Secretariat Hall in Mantripukhri on October 22.
The speakers questioned the relevance of discussing the mission while Manipur continues to grapple with violence, displacement and concerns over the state’s territorial integrity. They maintained that the government’s priority should be addressing the crisis in Manipur and meeting the demands of the people.
The organisations called for the withdrawal of AFSPA, termination of the SoO agreement with Kuki armed groups, protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and concrete steps to end the violence and facilitate the safe return of displaced families to their homes.
The protest was led by AMUCO general secretary Pratap Leishangthem, with representatives and members of the participating organisations joining the demonstration.
