IT News
Imphal, Mar 5:
Coalition of organisations from Manipur visited the President’s Secretariat today and submitted a memorandum to the President of India, urging immediate action on key issues affecting the state. The memorandum highlights three critical demands: the restoration of democratic governance, the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity, and urgent humanitarian intervention to assist thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) following the crisis that erupted on May 3, 2023.
The document, submitted at Rashtrapati Bhavan, was endorsed by 16 prominent organisations under the People’s Progressive Alliance, Manipur (PPAM), representing diverse communities and advocacy groups within Manipur. It draws attention to Manipur’s historical sovereignty before its controversial merger with India in 1949, calling it a legally unresolved issue under international law. The organisations stress the need for the immediate reinstatement of a popular democratic government following the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, which has led to a constitutional deadlock. Furthermore, they strongly oppose any attempt to alter Manipur’s territorial boundaries, citing historical sovereignty, constitutional provisions, and international legal principles such as Uti Possidetis Juris.
The memorandum underlines the devastating humanitarian crisis in Manipur, with over 60,000 displaced persons, widespread destruction of homes, and ongoing security concerns. The signatories demand the safe resettlement of all displaced persons, adequate security measures, and an end to economic blockades affecting essential supplies. They have also called for a Presidential Order affirming Manipur’s territorial integrity, ensuring that no changes are made under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.
Another pressing concern raised in the memorandum is the role of village volunteers (Khun Ngakpa), who have emerged due to the government’s failure to protect civilians during the ongoing crisis. The organisations demand legal protection for these volunteers, arguing that they are not anti-national elements but defenders of their communities.
The signatories have urged the President of India to intervene immediately, warning that continued political instability and unresolved grievances could worsen tensions in the state. They emphasised the need for democratic restoration, constitutional safeguards for Manipur’s integrity, and robust humanitarian relief measures. The memorandum marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle to address Manipur’s complex political and humanitarian challenges.
The organisations remain steadfast in their demand for justice, and their appeal to the highest office in India highlights the urgency of the situation. The ball is now in the court of the Indian government to take decisive action in response to the concerns raised by Manipur’s civil society groups.
The memorandum was collectively submitted by the following organisations: All India Tanzeem-E Insaaf-Manipur (AITI-M), All Manipur Democratic Students’ Organisation (AMDSO), All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs’ Organisation (AMMPACO), Apunba Awonba Manipur Amagidamak (AAMA), Committee of Peaceful Coexistence, Manipur (CPCM), Committee on Relief & Rehabilitation (CRR), Federal Students’ Organisation, Kangleipak (FESOK), Federation of Indigenous People’s Democratic Movement (FIDM), Kanglei People Against Narcotics & Psychotropic Substances (Kanglei Panas), Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC), Meetei Meitei Tribe Union (MMTU), Nupi Union for Peace and Integrity (NUPI), United Meitei Pangal Committee (UMPC), Yelhoumee Phurup (YP) and Youth Collective Manipur (YCM)
