Amid fresh Manipur violence, students hold mass protests

Students from various schools and colleges have staged massive protests in front of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and Raj Bhavan in Imphal, expressing their dissatisfaction with the handling of the Manipur crisis.

These protesters on Monday called for the Unified Command overseeing security in the state to be handed over to Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Slogans such as “long live Manipur”, “down down BJP Manipur”, “resign MLAs”, and “go back central forces” echoed across the streets as they accused the central forces of inaction amid the violence that has gripped Manipur for over 15 months.

The protests come in the wake of recent incidents of drone bombings and missile attacks in Koutruk and Moirang, allegedly carried out by Kuki militants. These attacks claimed two lives and injured several, including security personnel.

Describing their plight as being “trapped in a cage,” the protesters blamed government negligence for the continued unrest. Students in Thoubal district also held similar protests, demanding the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and the removal of central security forces.

The protests impacted daily life in Imphal, with markets such as Ima Keithel and Thangal Bazar closing in solidarity with the protesters.

In response, Chief Minister N Biren Singh held a meeting with students from Imphal College, Manipur College, and Ibotonsana Higher Secondary School at the CM’s Secretariat. He assured the students that the government was considering every possible measure to resolve the unrest and allow them to resume their academic pursuits in peace. He informed that the state government is giving utmost importance to resolving the students’ grievances concerning the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, hundreds of Kuki-Zo people held a rally to protest the removal of Assam Rifles from their region.

The rally, organised by the Committee on Tribal Unity, saw protesters marching from Nute village to Thomas Ground, demanding a political solution and a separate administration with legislatures.

Protesters carried placards with slogans like “removing Assam Rifles is removing peace”, “Assam Rifles is the need of the hour”, and “justice delayed is justice denied”.

This report has been republished with permission from EastMojo, an independent news platform focussed on northeast India. It has been lightly edited for style and clarity.