MSF organises human chain at Wabagai Lamkhai, press for protection of Manipuri language

Large number of people including students under the banner of the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) formed a human chain today at the Keithel area of Wabagai Lamkhai in Kakching district as part of an ongoing statewide movement seeking the protection, promotion and continued use of the Manipuri language. The protest highlighted the collective responsibility of society in safeguarding the language, which the federation described as the cultural backbone of Manipur.
According to the federation, the human chain was organised to reiterate long-pending demands placed before the authorities, particularly in relation to strengthening the status of Manipuri as a common link among diverse communities. The Manipuri language, regarded as a shared cultural bond and a unifying medium, has gained further recognition following its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, which, the federation stated, has contributed to its growth and enrichment.
The Manipuri Students’ Federation recalled that, with the objective of securing the future of the language, it had submitted a detailed memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, 12 May 12, 2025. The memorandum sought concrete measures for the development of Manipuri, including the preparation and publication of Longei, a dictionary, and Lonhourol, an encyclopedia, as authoritative reference works. It also urged the government to ensure that educational textbooks and reference materials prescribed in schools, colleges and universities are made available in the Manipuri language. Similar memoranda were submitted to concerned departments and authorities to facilitate coordination and implementation.
As no visible action was taken even after six months, the federation stated that it was compelled to intensify its agitation. A series of human chain protests was launched from 12 November 2025 across several districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur, with active participation from students and members of the public.
The human chain at Wabagai Lamkhai formed part of this continued campaign and witnessed the participation of Ima groups, local residents, office bearers of the Manipuri Students’ Federation and members of its Kakching District Committee. During the programme, the federation reiterated its demands for safeguarding Manipuri as a core element of Manipur’s identity, reviving learning spaces where Manipuri language education has weakened over time, and ensuring the early publication of Longei (Dicsnary) and Lonhourol (encyclopedia). It also called for the immediate availability of all educational textbooks in the Manipuri language.
The federation announced that similar human chain programmes would be organised at other locations in the coming days. It appealed to all sections of society to support and cooperate with the movement, maintaining that the responsibility of protecting and promoting the Manipuri language rests with every individual.