Six major student organisations in Manipur have strongly condemned the recent violence reported in Kamjong district and questioned the silence of both the Central and State governments over the incident.
In a joint press statement issued by All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Student Union of Kangleipak (SUK), Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS), the organisations alleged that armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement entered Namlee, Wanglee and Choro villages in Kamjong district on May 7 and carried out attacks on local residents and properties.
The organisations condemned the reported burning of houses and harassment of villagers, terming the incident “deeply deplorable.” They demanded immediate action to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.
The student bodies further criticised the absence of any official statement from either the Government of India or the Government of Manipur regarding the incident, questioning what they described as the government’s failure to respond to attacks on civilians and destruction of property.
In the statement, the organisations alleged that continued violence in Manipur since May 2023 reflected what they termed a “proxy war” and accused the authorities of pursuing discriminatory and oppressive policies against indigenous communities.
The joint statement asserted that governments are constitutionally bound to protect lives and property, maintain peace and address public concerns, adding that people of the state expect accountability and concrete measures to restore security.
The organisations warned that continued silence and inaction could further deepen public anger and mistrust amid the ongoing crisis in the state.