The Federation of Haomee has called for a candlelight protest on October 23, 2026, urging the people of Manipur to unite and raise their voices over the prevailing situation in the state.
In a press release, Federation of Haomee president Sapamcha Jadumani stated that Manipur had been witnessing violence and suffering since May 3, 2023, resulting in the deaths and disappearance of many people. He added that numerous people displaced by arson and violence continued to face hardships in relief camps.
The federation alleged that armed Kuki groups continued to attack indigenous people in the hill and valley areas and accused certain groups of supporting the violence. These allegations were made by the federation in its statement.
Calling for an update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur before the elections, the federation said the uncertainty and suffering faced by the people must be addressed. It also urged internally displaced persons (IDPs) to be allowed to return to their homes.
The candlelight protest will be observed from 7.30 pm to 8 pm on October 23. Participants have been requested to light candles, record videos on their mobile phones and upload them to social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp. Videos may also be sent to the federation through WhatsApp numbers 8794889180 and 6300690252.
The federation has additionally appealed to the public to observe silence from 6 pm to 8.30 pm on the same day.
Among its demands, the federation called for an end to what it described as the Government of India’s “divide and rule” policy, the arrest and punishment of those responsible for killings, identification of people allegedly killed whose bodies have not been recovered, and the identification and deportation of foreigners.
It also opposed any separate administration for Manipur and demanded that armed individuals in the hill areas not be allowed to move freely.
The federation reiterated its slogan, “No NRC, No Election,” and appealed to indigenous people in both the hills and the valley to participate in raising their demands.