Hundreds rally in Manipur's Saikul opposing proposed Meitei resettlement at Dolaithabi

Hundreds of members of the Kuki community under the banner of Kuki Inpi Saikul staged a peaceful protest on Sunday in Saikul Sub-Division of Kangpokpi district in Manipur, opposing government's move to resettle displaced Meitei families at Dolaithabi.

The demonstration drew participation from men, women, and youth, who carried placards and raised slogans expressing opposition to the proposed resettlement process. Protesters alleged that the initiative was being undertaken without adequate consultation and without taking into account the prevailing ground realities amid the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur since May 2023.

Addressing the gathering, community representatives stated that any process related to the return or resettlement of displaced persons should be based on dialogue, mutual understanding, and consensus between affected communities rather than unilateral administrative decisions.

Protesters argued that resettlement efforts implemented without consultation could undermine trust and complicate broader efforts aimed at achieving long-term peace and stability in the state.

Community leaders maintained that the protest was not directed against peace or reconciliation but emphasised that any sustainable peace process must also address concerns related to justice, security, and equitable treatment of all affected groups.

One of the protest leaders said that any resettlement framework should be bilateral and based on mutual agreement, adding that peace initiatives that overlook concerns of justice would not be acceptable to the community.

Participants further warned that attempts to enforce resettlement without addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and ensuring equal consideration for all affected communities could heighten tensions rather than restore normalcy.

During the demonstration, protesters raised slogans including “No Peace, No Resettlement,” “We Want Justice,” and “Justice Before Peace,” while urging authorities to pursue what they described as an inclusive and negotiated approach involving all stakeholders.

The protest concluded peacefully, with organisers reiterating that any durable political or humanitarian solution in Manipur should be founded on mutual consent, justice, and equal treatment of all communities.