Manipur conflict completes three years, hundreds join public rally demanding restoration of peace

Marking three years since the outbreak of the Manipur conflict, a public rally was organised in Nambol on Sunday, May 3 by the United Protection Committee (UPC), a collective body comprising 222 organisations from five constituencies.

A large number of local residents participated in the rally, which began from Sabal Leikai in Nambol and proceeded towards Kodongpokpi Lamkhai, where participants gathered and raised slogans demanding justice, peace and protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity.

Protesters raised slogans including “Protect territorial integrity of Manipur”, “No Census before NRC”, “We want justice”, “Resettle internally displaced persons”, and calls for action against “Kuki narco terrorists”.

Speaking on the sidelines of the rally, a protester identified as Th. Lamjingba said that despite three years having passed since the conflict began, people in the state continued to suffer. He stated that the rally was not organised against the government, but was intended to strengthen and support efforts aimed at restoring peace in the state.

He said the people were prepared to support any sincere steps taken by the Manipur government to bring peace and stability, while also urging the authorities to ensure protection of life and property and take action against those responsible for violence and instability.

Lamjingba further stated that governments are responsible for safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens and said stronger measures were necessary to restore normalcy in the state.

The protesters also appealed to civil society organisations operating in the valley districts to unite and launch collective movements aimed at resolving the prolonged crisis and ensuring the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons.

The rally concluded peacefully after participants assembled at Kodongpokpi Lamkhai and reiterated their demands for justice, unity and lasting peace in Manipur.