Five civil society organisations (CSOs) have demanded an immediate end to acts of violence and what they described as “terrorism” in Manipur, while opposing the conduct of the Census in the State until the National Register of Citizens (NRC), with 1951 as the base year, is updated.
The demand was raised at a public meeting organised by the five CSOs at Pishumthong Keithel in Imphal West today. The organisations are the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM), Committee on Human Rights (COHR) and Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF).
Speaking at the meeting, the convenor of the five CSOs, Sorokhaibam Sanjoy, said acts of violence and terrorism should not be allowed to continue indefinitely in a democratic country.
He maintained that the Census should not be conducted in Manipur until the NRC, based on 1951 as the base year, is updated.
The meeting also raised opposition to the proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 and demanded the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, from Manipur. Participants displayed placards carrying messages including “Manipur Must Not Be Divided”, “NRC Only Way to Save Indigenous Peoples” and “SIR 2026 Cannot Be Implemented”.
Sanjoy alleged that the fundamental rights of the people of Manipur had been violated by the prolonged situation in the State and accused the Union Government of subjecting the people to years of suffering.
He also questioned the proposed SIR exercise, alleging that it was based on “false and fabricated” premises and should therefore not be implemented in Manipur.
On the humanitarian situation, Sanjoy said the Government should take steps for the return and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), asserting that their prolonged displacement required urgent attention.
He also demanded the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, from the State, saying its continued application was no longer justified.
Sanjoy further questioned whether the Union Government was attempting to weaken Manipur, alleging that the prolonged violence and the activities of various armed groups were being allowed to continue despite their impact on the State.
He called for an end to armed conflicts and activities that he alleged were aimed at destabilising Manipur and appealed to neighbouring States not to interfere in matters concerning the State.
He also alleged that the Union Government was seeking greater representation in Parliament while pursuing policies that, according to him, were detrimental to Manipur and its people.
The five CSOs reiterated their opposition to any move they believe could undermine the rights and interests of the indigenous population of Manipur and called for measures to address the State’s prolonged crisis.
