Manipur organisations protest at Jantar Mantar, demand safe return of displaced persons

Guwahati: A coalition of Manipur-based organisations staged a massive protest at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, demanding the immediate, safe, and dignified return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes in Manipur.

The demonstration was organised jointly by the Delhi Meetei Co-Ordinating Committee (DMCC), Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD), and United Kakching Students (UKS).

Addressing the protesters, organisers accused the Government of India of criminal negligence, deliberate inaction, and political hypocrisy in handling the ongoing crisis in Manipur. They stated that displaced members of both the Meetei and Kuki communities continue to live under unsafe and degrading conditions in relief camps, more than a year after the large-scale violence erupted on May 3, 2025.

The demonstrators denounced what they described as a “divide-and-rule” policy, alleging that armed ethnic groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework are being protected by state authorities, further deepening ethnic divisions and blocking the return of displaced families.

Several IDPs forcibly displaced from their ancestral villages joined the protest, warning that prolonged displacement amounts to state-engineered ethnic segregation and collective punishment. Speakers emphasised that continued confinement in relief camps violates constitutional rights and fundamental human dignity.

Key speakers included Dr Seram Rojesh, Convenor of DMCC; Dr Naorem Bobo, DMCC Spokesperson; Hijam Rajen, DMCC Advisor; Elizabeth, social and gender activist; Sangeeta, Spokesperson, DMCC Women’s Wing; Lanchenbi, President of MSAD; and Amarik Singh Pawal, Manipur Sikh and social activist.

The organisers claimed that over 65,000 individuals from both communities remain displaced, effectively making them “refugees in their own land.” They alleged that, despite repeated assurances and a publicly stated December 2025 deadline, the Centre has failed to implement a policy framework, rehabilitation roadmap, or financial support for resettlement.

Protesters also condemned alleged use of force by security personnel against peaceful IDPs, asserting that civilians asserting their right to return home were targeted, while armed groups under the SoO remained unchecked. They stressed that security forces are constitutionally mandated to protect civilians, not enforce ethnic divisions or buffer zones.

Citing the Supreme Court’s dismantling of the Salwa Judum in Chhattisgarh, organisers argued that proxy armed groups are unconstitutional and demanded similar action in Manipur. They emphasised that lasting peace cannot be achieved through militarisation, ethnic segregation, or political indifference.

The demonstration concluded with clear demands:

Immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all IDPs with security, rehabilitation, and livelihood restoration.

Dismantling of the SoO framework and an end to state patronage of armed groups.

Termination of the divide-and-rule practices and restoration of peace, unity, and constitutional governance in Manipur.