Protest erupts in Silchar demanding formation of Manipuri Autonomous Council

The Manipuri Autonomous Council Demand Coordination Committee staged a protest in Silchar on Thursday, renewing their longstanding demand for the formation of a Manipuri Autonomous Council in Assam.

Members of the Manipuri community gathered under the statue of martyr Khudiram Bose, voicing their frustration over the state government’s failure to fulfil its promise. Though Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier assured the community that their demand would be met, the promise remains unfulfilled even after five years of the government’s tenure.

Over a hundred men and women participated in the protest, holding placards and raising slogans to draw the government’s attention. Speaking to the media, protestors asserted that the formation of a Manipuri Autonomous Council is a constitutional right of the community. They emphasised that they have been advocating for this cause through peaceful and democratic means for years.

Also Read: Connectivity collapse in Barak Valley: Gaurav Gogoi urges PM Modi for immediate and long term solution

According to the committee, the establishment of the council would help preserve the language, culture, and heritage of over five lakh Manipuris who have been residing in the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys of Assam since the 16th century.

They pointed out that several autonomous councils already exist in Assam under legal provisions, and therefore, the Manipuri community too deserves such a council as per state laws and regulations.

The protestors, united under the banner of the Demand Coordination Committee, appealed to the government to take immediate action. They warned that if the demand is not addressed, the community will be compelled to launch a stronger democratic movement in the future.