Civil Society Organisations Urge Responsible Action to Resolve Manipur Crisis Ahead of Assembly Session
Group of civil society organisations (CSOs) has issued an urgent call for responsible decision-making as Manipur prepares for the 7th Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, set to convene on February 10. The session, spanning 11 sittings, presents a crucial opportunity for the government to address the nearly two-year-long crisis that has gripped the state.
In a joint press statement, prominent CSOs highlighted the alarming humanitarian situation, with over 60,000 displaced individuals still struggling in poorly managed relief camps. They underscored the dire need for adequate healthcare, sanitation, and essential supplies, warning that the worsening conditions pose severe health risks and psychological distress.
The statement also pointed to the government’s failure to curb illegal immigration from Myanmar, citing concerns over demographic shifts and resource competition exacerbating tensions. The organisations reiterated demands for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to regulate immigration.
Raising concerns over escalating violence, the CSOs condemned attacks on civilians allegedly perpetrated by Kuki armed groups since May 3, 2023. They criticised the lack of effective law enforcement, which, they claimed, has emboldened such groups to continue violating human rights and international humanitarian laws.
Key Demands Ahead of the Assembly Session
The coalition urged members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to take decisive action, outlining the following immediate priorities:
1. Governor’s Address on Peace: The Governor’s customary address must include a roadmap for restoring stability in Manipur.
2. Dedicated Discussion on the Crisis: The Assembly should allocate at least 2-3 days to deliberate on the Manipur crisis before moving to budget discussions.
3. Immediate Ceasefire: An unconditional ceasefire must be implemented to end violence and initiate meaningful dialogue.
4. Humanitarian Assistance: The government must ensure proper relief, healthcare, and rehabilitation for displaced persons.
5. Opening of National Highways: Essential transport routes must be secured and reopened with adequate security deployment.
The CSOs also condemned the alleged intimidation tactics by the government, particularly the filing of FIRs against women and Meira Paibi activists. They called on student bodies, youth organisations, and community leaders to unite in demanding a peaceful resolution during the upcoming Assembly session.
The statement was jointly signed by several organisations, including the Committee of Peaceful Coexistence, Manipur (CPCM), Meetei Meitei Tribe Union (MMTU), Federal Students’ Organisation Kangleipak (FESOK), United Meitei Pangal Committee (UMPC), Committee on Relief & Rehabilitation (CRR), Kanglei Panas (KP), Yelhoumee Phurup (YP), Apunba Awonba Manipur Amagidamak (AAMA), All India Tanzeem-e-Insaaf (AITI), Imagi Meira (IM), All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs’ Organisation (AMMPACO), Youth Collective Manipur (YCM), Nupi Union for Peace and Integrity (NUPI), and Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC).