A protest meeting was held at Pheiyeng Keithel in Imphal West district, with representatives of various civil society organisations, clubs, women’s groups and local bodies demanding a political solution to the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
The meeting was organised under the joint initiative of the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPA), Committee on Human Rights (COHR) and Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), along with other organisations, including the Imphal West District United Clubs’ Organisation (IWDUCO) and Rural United Clubs’ Organisation (RUCO).
Addressing the gathering, AMUCO Secretary Organisation Laishram Krishnachandra said the prolonged conflict had severely affected Manipur’s development and called for a clear understanding of the state’s history, particularly the events following its merger with India in 1949.
He alleged that instead of resolving the conflict, the Government of India was pursuing policies that further weakened Manipur’s political, economic, cultural and historical foundations. He also accused the authorities of failing to adequately address security concerns in the hill areas and alleged that the situation was being exploited to deepen divisions among communities.
Krishnachandra maintained that the crisis should not be reduced to a conflict between communities, alleging that such a narrative diverted attention from what he described as broader political attempts to undermine Manipur.
He called for collective public action, stressing that unity was essential to confronting the crisis and safeguarding the state’s interests. He urged the people to work together for peaceful coexistence, collective security and the future development of Manipur.
AMUCO Secretary General Pratap Leishangthem and vice-president Ksh. Rajen also addressed the gathering, according to the organisers.
