Guwahati: Several Meitei student, youth and civil society organisations from Manipur, Assam and Tripura staged a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, marking three years since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
Organised under the banner of the “3rd May Organising Committee”, the demonstration saw participating groups urge the Centre to take immediate steps to resolve the prolonged crisis in the state. Protesters also alleged that Kuki militant groups continued to receive “protection” and “shielding”.
The protest was attended by organisations including the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi, Delhi Meetei Co-Ordinating Committee, Manipur Innovative Youth Organisation Delhi, Meitei Heritage Society, Delhi Manipuri Society and the World Meetei Council, among others.
Speakers at the gathering alleged that the violence in Manipur began with coordinated attacks on Meitei villages across different parts of the state in May 2023. They also criticised the response of security forces and demanded restoration of law and order.
The organisations claimed that the conflict had left hundreds dead, displaced thousands of people and led to the destruction of homes and religious structures.
During the protest, the groups demanded immediate dismantling and disarmament of militant outfits, restoration of constitutional order in Manipur, time-bound justice for victims, rehabilitation of internally displaced persons and stronger intervention by the Centre to restore peace.
Several speakers also raised concerns over the continued displacement of people living in relief camps and urged the government to expedite rehabilitation measures.
The protest coincided with the third anniversary of the ethnic conflict in Manipur, which erupted in May 2023 and continues to affect normal life in several parts of the state.