Manipur protest in Imphal turned tense on Sunday after police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators seeking justice for people killed or missing during the prolonged conflict in the state. The incident took place at Khwairamband Ima Keithel as protesters attempted to take out a rally.
The demonstration brought together women vendors from Khwairamband Ima Market, members of the Joint Tribe Council of Coordination Committee Imphal Area and the Save Indigenous People of Manipur. Women from several Naga tribes also joined the protest, according to reports.
Manipur protest faces police action in Imphal
The protesters initially gathered at the market and sought to march from the area. However, security personnel stopped them after they had moved a short distance.
A section of demonstrators then changed direction and continued towards the Nagamapal route. Police and security forces subsequently fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The use of tear gas followed a rise in tension at the protest site. The available reports do not establish details of any injuries or arrests linked to Sunday’s confrontation.
The demonstration comes as the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly approaches its scheduled end on Monday. Protesters said the government should act on their demands before the session concludes.
Manipur protest highlights demands for justice
A central demand of the Manipur protest was justice for indigenous Meitei and Naga people who have been killed or remain missing during the conflict.
The protesters also called for government action on several political and security-related issues. These included a concrete decision on implementing the National Register of Citizens, or NRC, in Manipur before the Census.
Additionally, the demonstrators demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement, commonly known as the SoO pact. The agreement involves security arrangements with certain Kuki armed groups.
The protesters argued that these matters required attention from the government before the Assembly session ended. They also warned that continued inaction could increase public resentment.
Manipur protest reflects wider public anger
The latest demonstration is part of continuing public demands for accountability and measures to address the consequences of the conflict that began in May 2023.
The protest also followed earlier efforts by civil society groups to bring communities together around demands for justice. In July, Naga, Meitei, Meitei Pangal and other community representatives held a joint demonstration at Khwairamband Ima Market. They called for a special Assembly session and justice for victims of the conflict.
That earlier mobilisation highlighted demands for political intervention, rehabilitation and accountability. Sunday’s gathering again placed victims and unresolved cases at the centre of public attention.
Manipur protest comes amid unresolved conflict
Manipur has continued to face the political and humanitarian effects of the violence that erupted in 2023. Communities affected by the conflict have repeatedly sought security, rehabilitation and accountability.
The latest Manipur protest also shows how demands linked to the conflict continue to bring different civil society groups into public demonstrations.
However, the use of tear gas underlines the continuing sensitivity surrounding public rallies in the state. Authorities face the challenge of maintaining public order while protesters seek to press their demands.
The immediate circumstances that led security personnel to disperse the march remain significant as the Assembly session draws to a close.
Government faces calls for action
The protesters’ appeal is now focused on whether the government will address their demands before the Assembly session ends. Their concerns include justice for those killed or missing, the NRC issue and the SoO agreement.
Meanwhile, the latest Manipur protest has added to continuing calls for political measures to address the state’s prolonged crisis.
The demonstration ended with security forces dispersing the attempted rally using tear gas. Further developments will depend on how the government and political leadership respond to the protesters’ demands and whether fresh demonstrations are planned.
For now, the incident highlights the continuing frustration among sections of Manipur society over unresolved questions arising from the conflict and the demand for greater accountability.