Imphal: Human chain (stretching approximately 3.5 kilometers) was conducted on Saturday under the banner “Do not Obliterate Manipur” protesting the security forces act of stopping a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus ferrying a media team to remove “Manipur” from its signage while en route to Ukhrul to cover the Shirui Lily Festival.
Civil society organisations and people of Manipur regard the security forces’ act, on May 20 at Guwaltabi, as a threat to Manipur identity.
Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF), under the aegis of several civil society organizations, organized the human chain protest along National Highway 150 (Tiddim Road) on Saturday under the banner “Manipur Muthatpa Yaroi” (Do Not Obliterate Manipur).
The peaceful demonstration, intended to express solidarity and resistance against perceived threats to Manipur’s identity, drew participation from students, youths, and residents.
The human chain stretched from Changangei Ucheckon near Bir Tikendrajit International Airport to Kwakeithel junction in Imphal West district.
Members of All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (Amuco), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, All Manipur Women Voluntary Association, and Committee on Human Rights took part in the protest.
Amuco general secretary Pratab Leishangthem said the responsibility lies not directly with the jawans of the central forces involved, but with senior officials, including the governor, chief secretary, security advisor and the DGP. “Only after their resignation, the escalated tensions would begin to ease,” he said.
He urged the central government to address the issue seriously and avoid policies that could foster division among communities in Manipur.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, an umbrella civil body, had earlier imposed a 48-hour general strike across Manipur in response to the Guwaltabi incident.
The committee demanded an apology from the governor and the resignations of those top state officials involved.
Manipur Home department, on May 21, constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. The committee comprises N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home), and Th. Kirankumar Singh, Secretary (IT). It has been tasked with identifying lapses and recommending measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The committee was expected to submit its report within 15 days.
