Manipur Student Bodies Urge Centre For Lasting Political Solution Amid 3-Year Unrest

Student organisations representing indigenous hill communities of Manipur on Sunday urged the Centre to urgently pursue a lasting political settlement in the state, as they marked three years since the ethnic violence that began on May 3, 2023.

In a joint statement, groups including the Gangte Students' Organisation, Hmar Students' Association, Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi and Kuki Students' Organisation appealed to constitutional bodies, including the National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office, seeking immediate intervention in what they described as an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The organisations called for expedited political dialogue under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework involving the Centre and insurgent groups such as the Kuki National Organisation and United People’s Front. They reiterated their demand for a “lasting political solution”, including consideration of a separate administrative arrangement for the affected hill areas.

They alleged that the violence over the past three years has led to large-scale destruction, including burning of villages, damage to places of worship, deaths, and prolonged displacement. According to their statement, hundreds of villages were destroyed and thousands of people continue to live in relief camps with limited access to basic services.

The groups also raised concerns over alleged sexual violence during the conflict and termed the situation a “humanitarian crisis compounded by delayed justice and systemic neglect”. They demanded time-bound investigations, fast-track trials, adequate compensation, and rehabilitation for victims and internally displaced persons.

They further called for a high-level probe into alleged security lapses, including the reported looting of weapons from state armouries, and sought measures for recovery of arms and prevention of misuse.

Referring to recent developments, the organisations noted that authorities have arrested some accused persons in connection with violence-related cases, calling it a positive step but insufficient without broader accountability.

They also sought an impartial investigation into the role of former chief minister N. Biren Singh, alleging failure in crisis response, and urged the Centre to treat the matter as a national priority for lasting peace.