Hundreds of citizens gathered today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen in Imphal, voicing urgent demands for justice, dignity, and peace in Manipur. The assembly, which included elders, community leaders, youth, and women, called for the immediate reopening of national highways, the return of all internally displaced persons to their original villages, and the abrogation of the controversial Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.
Speakers described the highways as “trenches of division” rather than connectors of communities. Since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, armed groups aligned with Kuki militants have reportedly blocked, diverted, and restricted travel, cutting off essential access to food, medicines, education, and markets. Citizens warned that these restrictions constitute collective discrimination and could amount to crimes against humanity if allowed to persist. The gathering demanded that all highways be declared neutral spaces under independent oversight, free from arbitrary checkpoints and control by non-state actors.
The plight of over 60,000 internally displaced persons in the state was highlighted as a humanitarian crisis. Families remain trapped in relief camps under dire conditions, with many traumatized and without basic services. The gathering demanded the immediate and safe return of all displaced people to their original homes, with full restoration of property, compensation for losses, and rebuilding of infrastructure. Security guarantees, community reconciliation, psychosocial support, and livelihood assistance were emphasized as essential for a dignified return. Citizens also demanded alternative resettlement options for those unable to return due to fear or destroyed homes.
The renewed SoO agreement came under sharp criticism. Speaker on the gathering accused the pact of enabling impunity, with militant groups repeatedly violating its ground rules through forced evictions, extortion, and illegal control of territories. The gathering demanded the immediate abrogation of the SoO, disbandment and disarmament of all militant camps, prosecution of offenders under Indian and international law, and restoration of state authority across all areas. They called for a new, inclusive political framework that guarantees equal rights, representation, and security for all communities.
The assembly concluded with a call for unity beyond ethnicity. Civil society groups, women’s collectives, youth organizations, students, and artisans were urged to join in peaceful action, documenting violations, filing legal petitions, and raising international awareness. “The highways must serve as arteries of unity, not sieges,” one speaker said. “The displaced must return home. Peace cannot exist where impunity thrives.”
The gathering left no doubt: the people of Manipur demand immediate action. Free movement, restoration of homes, dismantling of SoO impunity, and a just political settlement are non-negotiable, and they pledged to continue their struggle until these demands are met.