IMPHAL, May 25: The Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) organized a ‘human chain’ protest along National Highway 150 (Tiddim Road) on Saturday under the banner ”Manipur Muthatpa Yaroi” (Do Not Obliterate Manipur).
The protest, aimed at demonstrating unity and resistance against perceived threats to Manipur’s identity, saw participation from students of various educational institutions, local residents, and youths. The ‘human chain’ stretched approximately 3.5 kilometers, from Changangei Ucheckon near Bir Tikendrajit International Airport to Kwakeithel, along NH-150 (Tiddim Road) in Imphal West district.
Organizers described the protest as a peaceful assertion of the people’s commitment to safeguarding Manipur’s cultural and political identity.
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Speaking to media at the protest site, AMUCO general secretary Pratab Leishangthem referred to a recent incident of the reported directive by security forces to a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus to remove the word “Manipur” from its signage while ferrying a media team to Ukhrul for the inauguration of the 5th Shirui Lily Festival on May 20 at Guwaltabi.
“We should not solely blame the central forces involved in the Guwaltabi incident. The real accountability lies with the higher authorities namely the Governor, the Chief Secretary, the Security Advisor, and the Director General of Police. Their resignations are essential to de-escalate the growing tension, and the Central government must recognize the gravity of the matter,” Pratab asserted.
MSF president Hijam Roshan alleged that the central government was attempting to implement divisive policies aimed at sowing discord among Manipur’s communities. “The students of Manipur will take various initiatives to protect our state. The May 20 incident, where central forces allegedly ordered the removal of ‘Manipur’ from an MST bus signage, is an example of this divisive policy aimed at obliterating Manipur,” he said.
In response to the incident, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex civil society body, had called a 48-hour general strike that paralyzed normal life in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. The COCOMI demanded an official apology from the Governor and the resignation of the Security Advisor, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police, holding them responsible for the controversy.
Pratab further noted that various civil and local bodies have since organized multiple forms of protest, including torch rallies and ‘human chains’. He called on the central government to abandon divisive strategies that risk creating communal enmity. (NNN)
