Imphal: Five civil society organisations staged a mass protest at Lamsang Bazar on Sunday, demanding that the state government urge the Centre to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year.
The demonstration was led by the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and formed part of a joint movement involving the All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, the Committee on Human Rights and the Manipuri Students’ Federation.
Besides seeking an NRC update, the organisations demanded the cancellation of SIR 2026, the immediate resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the complete repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
Addressing the protesters, AMUCO president and coalition convenor Sanjoy Sorokhaibam blamed the Centre’s policies for the prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur, which has continued since May 2023.
Sorokhaibam alleged that the Centre was attempting to create permanent divisions among the communities living in the state. He claimed that public confidence in the central government had been completely eroded.
Describing the situation as an ongoing proxy war, he called on people across communities to unite and sustain public protests until the state and central governments addressed their grievances and restored peace.
He also warned that any attempt by the Centre to implement policies that could further divide Manipur would be met with strong public resistance and mass mobilisation.
The coalition urged the state government to discharge its responsibilities, address the concerns of displaced people and take urgent steps to restore a sense of security among residents.