Student Agitation Erupts in Manipur Over Government’s Failure to Address Ethnic Violence
CONFLICT
Imphal: In defiance of the government’s pre-emptive closure of educational institutions to curb the escalating violence, which intensified on September 1 following attacks by Kuki-Chin militants using weaponized drones and RPGs on Meitei villages in Manipur’s foothills, hundreds of higher secondary and junior college students staged a protest on Monday at the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Protesting students in front of Manipur Raj Bhavan.
Protesting students sloganeering in front of Manipur Raj Bhavan.
The students, dressed in their school uniforms, breached security cordons to demand a resolution to the ongoing conflict between the Kuki-Chin and Meitei communities, which has raged since May 3, 2023.
The students, voicing their anger and frustration, sought a meeting with the Governor and Chief Minister, demanding immediate action. They called for the removal of the security advisor and the Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur, accusing them of failing to protect civilians and contain the violence. They also criticized the central paramilitary forces deployed to the state, alleging that they have been ineffective and have stood as "mute spectators" while the valley’s periphery continues to be bombed by drones and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) launched from the hills.
Agitated students pelted stones and water bottles at the security personnel in frustration after their request for an audience with the Governor of Manipur was turned off.
The students issued an ultimatum, calling for the resignation of all 50 MLAs in Manipur on moral grounds if they are unable to safeguard the people they represent. They also demanded that the control of the unified command be returned to the people’s representatives, urging the government of India to halt what they described as a "proxy war" against the Meitei community.
Tensions escalated when a group of agitated students gathered in front of the Raj Bhavan gate, demanding an audience with the Governor. The situation turned violent after a military truck attempted to push through the peaceful demonstration at the gate, angering the students. This provoked stone-pelting and the throwing of bottles at the security personnel guarding the premises.
Agitated students with banners and placards in front of the Raj Bhavan.
To disperse the crowd, security forces resorted to lathi charges, tear gas, and mock bomb shelling, resulting in injuries to several students. The scene remained tense, with both sides locked in a standoff until the intervention of higher authorities.
Protesting students parked themselves on the tarmac road in front of the Raj Bhavan entrance gate while security personnel keep a strict vigil.
Later, the Chief Minister met with a delegation of students, listened to their demands, and assured them that their concerns would be forwarded to the central government. The meeting brought the situation under control, but the students remained firm in their demands, calling for accountability and swift action to end the violence that has paralyzed the state for months.