CSOs, student bodies condemn assault on former DESAM President at Ima Keithel, demand strict action

Civil society organisations and student unions across Manipur have strongly condemned the mob assault on Mayengbam Somorjit Luwang, former president of the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), which took place at Khwairamband Ima Keithel on April 25 during the public rally titled “People’s Question to Manipur Government” organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).
A number of organisations, including the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU), Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS), United Peoples’ Front, Manipur (UPF), Manipur Peace and Integrity Council (MAPI), Committee on Protection of Meetei Victims, Moreh (COPMeV), Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) and the The Coalition of Indigenes’ Rights Campaign, Manipur (CIRCA), issued separate statements condemning the incident and demanding immediate identification of those responsible.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 1:30 PM on April 25 when a group of individuals allegedly incited unrest at Khwairamband Ima Keithel, leading to an attack on Somorjit and COCOMI volunteers. Two women who reportedly attempted to shield him from the assault were also said to have been attacked.
In a press release, AMSU Information and Publicity Secretary Serto Rengrieier Kom described the incident as a deliberate attempt to disrupt and malign the convention, which, the union said, had witnessed large public participation and was otherwise conducted peacefully. AMSU stated that the gathering was organised to raise pressing governance issues in the backdrop of the ongoing Manipur crisis since May 2023.
The student body expressed concern that such acts threaten the unity and collective movement of the Manipuri people. It also underscored the cultural and historical importance of Ima Keithel, describing it as a symbol of collective identity and social harmony. Any attempt to incite violence at such a place, it said, is unacceptable and deeply disturbing.
Calling the disturbance a pre-planned attempt to spread misinformation, AMSU appealed to the public to remain vigilant against divisive forces and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the unity and integrity of the state.
The Coalition for Indigenes Rights Campaign (CIRCA), in a statement issued by Secretary General Leishangthem Lamyanba, termed the assault “deplorable and unacceptable,” particularly at a time when indigenous communities in Manipur are facing serious and complex challenges. CIRCA said the violence undermines collective efforts to address the ongoing crisis and weakens social cohesion.
The organisation further observed that the incident reflects a growing erosion of social discipline, rational discourse, and public trust amid the prolonged conflict. It urged those involved in the attack to come forward and issue a public apology, while also calling upon community elders and civil society leaders to intervene through a reformative approach.
CIRCA also noted that Somorjit’s elder brother had lost his life during the conflict that began on May 3, 2023, and expressed solidarity with him and his family. The organisation appealed to the public to support education, strengthen economic resilience, and work collectively towards social stability.
The Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) also strongly condemned what it described as a life-threatening attack on Somorjit during the rally. In its statement, AIMS alleged that certain anti-social elements attempted to assassinate the former DESAM president and simultaneously spread misinformation to discredit COCOMI before the public.
Describing Somorjit as a committed individual who has made significant contributions to the welfare of Manipur, particularly in strengthening the education sector, AIMS stated that the attack on him is an attack on a respected public figure and raises serious concerns over organised attempts to destabilise the state.
The union demanded that those responsible be identified and exposed publicly, warning that if such disruptions continue, the people of Manipur would collectively rise to defend the unity and integrity of the land.
The Committee on Protection of Meetei Victims, Moreh (COPMeV), through its chairman Leishangthem Inaocha, also issued a strong condemnation of what it described as a “barbaric and inhuman attack” on Somorjit and COCOMI volunteers during a peaceful rally.
COPMeV described Somorjit as a person known for his consistent support to internally displaced students and his active role in relief efforts since the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023. The organisation said that violence against individuals working selflessly for public welfare constitutes not only an attack on individuals but also on democratic values, humanity, and the collective spirit of the people.
It urged the authorities to immediately investigate the matter, identify the culprits, and initiate strict legal action without delay. The organisation also appealed to the public to remain united and peaceful while standing firmly against intimidation and violence.
Similarly, the United Peoples’ Front (UPF), Manipur, condemned the incident in the strongest terms, stating that while a large number of people had gathered peacefully for the public convention, certain individuals deliberately created unrest and incited a mob attack on COCOMI volunteers at Ima Keithel.
UPF said that such actions pose a grave threat to the unity and future of the people of Manipur, especially at a time when the state continues to grapple with prolonged instability. The organisation reiterated its support for COCOMI’s efforts and appealed for collective vigilance against forces attempting to create confusion and disorder.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation across student bodies and civil society groups, with a united call for accountability, peace, and the protection of democratic public spaces in the state.
Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) while condemning the recent assault on Mayengbam Somorjit, AMKIL highlighted the historic role of Manipuri women in leading the first and second Nupi Lan movements, describing them as defining moments in the state’s history that symbolized courage, unity, and resistance.
The AMKIL stated that it is deeply unfortunate that certain individuals, allegedly posing as “mothers,” attempted to incite a mob at such a historically significant and sacred marketplace.
AMKIL strongly condemned the incident that occurred at the Keithel, stating that such actions undermine the dignity of the market and the legacy of the women who have long safeguarded social harmony. It further asserted that any attempt to create unrest or violence in such a place is unacceptable.
Students Union of Kangleipak (SUK) and Mapi Council also condemn the brutal beaten of Mayengbam Somorjit on April 25.