The Native People Committee Manipur (NPCM) has announced that it will continue its agitation through statewide daytime sit-in protests and nighttime Meira rallies until its demands are fulfilled, following the 48-hour general strike observed on October 20 and 21.
In a press release, NPCM convenor Dr. L. Phaomei thanked the people of Manipur, both in the hills and valley, for supporting the strike, saying the response reflected collective demands for justice, security and protection of the indigenous population.
The committee criticised Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh for attending a sports meet and participating as an athlete during the protest period, alleging that his actions disregarded public suffering and sentiments.
It also alleged that police assaulted unarmed women protesters and used mock bombs and tear gas at close range, injuring several demonstrators. The NPCM demanded an investigation and accountability for the alleged excesses.
Reiterating its demand for abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement, the committee cited alleged irregularities at a designated camp at Sinai. According to the release, one listed cadre was reportedly present, while 17 unlisted cadres were found and 149 cadres remained unaccounted for. It also alleged continued extortion by groups covered under the agreement and sought an investigation into possible violations of its ground rules.
The NPCM urged the governments of India and Manipur to initiate the agreement’s abrogation and take action against armed groups allegedly involved in violence, intimidation and extortion.
Other demands include time-bound resettlement of internally displaced persons in their original homes with adequate security and rehabilitation, detection and deportation of illegal immigrants in accordance with law, implementation of the National Register of Citizens with 1951 as the proposed base year, and fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.
The committee also demanded action against opium poppy cultivation and drug trafficking networks, resignation of the Council of Ministers over its alleged failure to resolve the crisis, and raised concerns over a Deputy Chief Minister’s continued retention.
The NPCM appealed for unity and peaceful participation, asserting that its agitation would continue until its demands were addressed within a clearly defined timeframe.
