The G-5, a conglomerate of five underground organisations in Manipur, has announced a ban on musical programmes associated with commercial entertainment at festivals, melas and charity related musical programme at hotels from November 1, exempting traditional, cultural and religious festivals.
In a statement The G-5 said the restriction would apply to musical programmes associated with charity events at festivals, melas and hotels, while traditional, cultural and religious festivals would be exempted. It warned that violations would invite punishment, without specifying the nature of the penalty.
The G-5 comprises of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive) (PREPAK-Pro), and the Koireng-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
The group linked its decision to the ongoing conflict in Manipur, which it described as a proxy war being waged by India through Chin-Kuki armed groups. It alleged that the conflict, which began on May 3, 2023, had expanded to affect Naga areas as well, and accused the Indian government of treating Manipur as a subordinate territory rather than an integral part of the country.
The statement alleged that the broader objective was to weaken the indigenous communities of Manipur politically, economically and socially, and linked the conflict to what it described as the political agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to establish an “Akhand Bharat”.
The group argued that the conflict should not be viewed solely as a confrontation between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities, maintaining that the political and strategic dimensions of the violence needed to be understood. It alleged that the prolonged conflict was intended to weaken indigenous communities and undermine their collective strength.
Referring to the latest attack in the Nongshum–Khongbal Tangkhul area along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi district boundary, the statement said two Meitei civilians had been killed and several others injured when armed assailants opened fire on people collecting firewood. The group described the incident as another indication of the continuing insecurity faced by civilians.
The statement called on the people of Manipur to recognise what it described as the larger political objectives behind the conflict and urged indigenous communities to unite against the challenges confronting them. It argued that divisions among communities had weakened their collective ability to resist the ongoing violence and its consequences.
The group also criticised the continued organisation of entertainment programmes, including musical shows, while people in the hill areas were facing violence, displacement and insecurity. It said the prevailing situation made large-scale celebrations and entertainment events inappropriate.
Accordingly, the G-5 announced that musical programmes associated with charity events at festivals, melas and charity show at hotels would be prohibited from November 1, while traditional, cultural and religious festivals would remain exempt. It appealed to the public and organisers to comply with the directive.
The statement was signed by representatives of the five organisations: H. Ibomcha and C. Lanngamba for the KCP and KYKL; L. Ibochouba and Ch. Malemnganba for PREPAK and PREPAK-Pro; and Ksh. Yoiheiba for the UNLF.