Manipur’s Cry for Peace Grows Louder as Thousands Protest Killings, Face Tear Gas

Thousands of people across Manipur’s five valley districts staged a ‘sound protest’, expressing anger over continued killings, the prolonged ethnic conflict and the government’s alleged failure to restore normalcy. Police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators near Lok Bhavan in Imphal. No injuries or violence were reported.

Organised by the Federation of Haomee, a civil society organisation, the protest took place between 7.30 pm and 8 pm. Demonstrators banged utensils, beat drums, struck electric poles with hammers and honked vehicle horns to draw the attention of political leaders to their grievances.

Protesters marched towards Kangla Fort, the historic political and cultural centre of the erstwhile Manipur kingdom. Security forces stopped demonstrators at several junctions, while hundreds who reached the fort’s entrance were prevented from entering. Police later erected barricades near Lok Bhavan and fired several rounds of tear gas shells.

The protest followed the October 19 killing of three Meitei men reportedly collecting firewood in the hills near the Imphal East-Kangpokpi border. Three others were injured in the attack, triggering demonstrations and demands for action against those responsible.

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said three suspects had been arrested. Security forces also raided Sinai camp in Kangpokpi, associated with groups covered by the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement, as part of intensified operations.

The SoO agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups expired in September and has not been renewed, adding to tensions. The government has said action would be taken against armed groups irrespective of community affiliation.

The Federation of Haomee has demanded implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), action against alleged illegal immigration and abrogation of the SoO arrangement.

The latest demonstration highlights growing public frustration over civilian security and the absence of lasting peace, underscoring the challenge facing authorities in restoring confidence and preventing further escalation.