CSOs, clubs and organisations observe third anniversary of Manipur conflict across state

Various civil society organisations (CSOs), local clubs and community groups across Manipur on Sunday observed the third anniversary of the May 3, 2023 conflict with remembrance programmes, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the violence.
In Lamding, youths organised a “Meitei Mikap Thokpa Numit” at the Lamding Multipurpose Community Hall, where clubs, elders, Meira Paibi groups and youth organisations from five localities participated. Floral tributes were offered to those who died in the conflict, and a three-minute silence was observed. Families of victims, including those currently staying in relief camps, also attended the programme.
Speaking at the event, Khangabok MLA Okram Surjakumar stated that the conflict could have been resolved earlier with timely intervention and called on authorities to prioritise the welfare of displaced persons and youth. Convenor of Youths of Lamding, Konjengbam Ibungo, criticised the handling of the crisis and urged for a long-term, people-oriented approach to restore lasting peace.
In Moirang, the Manipur Unit of the World Meetei Council organised a “May 3rd Remembrance” programme along Moirang Sendra Road. Participants paid floral tributes and observed a two-minute silence. Speaking on the occasion, RK Sakhitombi called for unity among communities and stressed the need for collective efforts to rebuild and safeguard the state.
In Imphal East, a “Mikap Thokpa Numit” (Puwarigi Amamba Tangkhak) programme was held at New Thumbuthong Community Hall, Brahmapur Aribam Leikai, organised by Better Yaiskul. The programme began with floral tributes to the victims of the 2023 violence.
Meanwhile, in Yairipok under Thoubal district, a remembrance programme was organised at Bamol Leikai Community Hall by Arambai Tengol Unit-2. Members of local clubs, organisations and Meira Paibi groups took part in paying homage to those who lost their lives, observing silence and offering prayers for lasting peace.
Across the state, the observances were marked by calls for unity, remembrance of the victims and renewed appeals for peace and stability in Manipur.
The Manipur Unit of the World Meetei Council (WMC) also organised a “May 3rd Remembrance” programme at Moirang Sendra Road to mark the third anniversary of the violence that broke out in the state in 2023.
During the programme, participants paid homage to those who lost their lives in the conflict by offering floral tributes. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the deceased, with prayers offered for peace and stability.
Speaking on the occasion, RK Sakhitombi stated that Manipur cannot be viewed as belonging exclusively to any single community and called for unity among all sections of society. She said collective efforts were needed to rebuild and move forward in the aftermath of the violence.
She also remarked that Manipur is the ancestral homeland of the Meitei community and urged all concerned to take necessary steps to safeguard the state and ensure its well-being.
The Thoubal and Kakching District Apunba Lup (TAKDAL) organised “May 3 Ningsing Numit” (May 3 Remembrance Day) at Khongjom Kheba Hillock, Thoubal District, to pay tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives defending the land.
The event focused on honouring the martyrs with floral tributes and candles, reflecting on the three years of conflict, and holding collective discussions on the need to restore peace and unity in Manipur.
Held under the theme “Hingminnashi Eikhoi, Pullasi Eikhoi” (Let us live together, let us unite and move forward), people from various parts of Thoubal and Kakching districts participated and paid homage to the martyrs.
Yengkhom Bhagyachandra, President of TAKDAL, said that May 3 has become an unforgettable and historic day in Manipur. He declared that TAKDAL will observe it annually. He urged the people of Manipur to take greater responsibility and to stand together in unity and progress.
N. Madhu, Legal Advisor of TAKDAL, and Jitendra Ningomba, former Convenor of COCOMI, also attended, along with representatives from CSOs, Meira Paibi groups, clubs, organisations, and student bodies of Thoubal and Kakching districts.
The observance was one of several remembrance events held across the state today, with a common appeal for peace and collective action after three years of conflict.