Manipur civil society organizations issue seven days ultimatum: Act now or face political boycott

Civil society organisations in Manipur have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding urgent action to address the ongoing conflict in the state. 

The organisations have threatened to withdraw support from national political parties and launch a mass movement against political leaders if their demands are not met.

Representatives from thirteen organisations submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, outlining six key demands. 

They warned that failure to act on these demands within a week would result in the withdrawal of support for political leaders, regardless of party affiliation. 

The memorandum highlighted the growing frustration among the people of Manipur, who feel that national parties have shown a lack of commitment to the state's security and welfare.

The current crisis in Manipur is characterised by ethnic violence, unchecked militant activity, and deteriorating law and order. 

Residents have been suffering due to armed militant aggression, forced blockades, and escalating attacks, which threaten their livelihood and security. Despite repeated pleas from the public, many feel that national parties have failed to respond effectively, with interventions often seen as inadequate or biased.

Following the submission of the memorandum, Shanta Nahakpam, spokesperson for the collective of thirteen organisations, addressed the media. Nahakpam stated that they have presented a memorandum with six demands related to the ongoing crisis. 

Also Read: Manipur: Total shutdown affects normal life in Imphal Valley

The organisations are prepared to initiate a campaign of mass resignations by all Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) if their demands are not fulfilled within seven days.

The urgent requests in the memorandum include the safe rescue of six hostages abducted by Kuki militants in Jiribam District, the implementation of legal and security measures to secure national highways, the establishment of a no-entry zone in vulnerable hill areas to protect farmers, and improved coordination among all security forces to ensure a unified response in sensitive areas.

The collective of thirteen organisations includes the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), Peoples’ Action for National Democratic Movement (PAMDM), Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meira Paibi Lup (Kanglamei), All Club Organisation Association & Meira Paibi Lup (ACOAM-Lup), Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA), Indigenous People’s Association of Kangleipak (IPAK), Chanura Lamchinglel KangJeipak (CLK), Kanglei Ima Lup (KIL), Loumee Yaipha Lup Kangleipak (LOYALUP), Educational and Rural Development Organisation (ERDO), Malem Ima Kanba Lup (MIKL), Struggling Women’s Association (SWA), and Apunba Keithel Sinnaibi Lup (AKSIL).

It is noteworthy that these organisations imposed a 24-hour shutdown starting from 6 pm yesterday, to protest the inadequate response from both state and central governments in protecting lives and property amid the ongoing crisis.