Imphal, Sep 9: Hundreds of students attempted to storm the Raj Bhavan and Chief Minister’s Bungalow in Imphal on Monday, intensifying protests in response to the ongoing crisis in Manipur. The demonstrations highlighted the growing discontent among Manipur’s youth, who are demanding accountability from the government and a resolution to the violence and unrest that has plagued the state for over 15 months.
A large group of students marched to the gate of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s bungalow in Babupara, demanding swift action against Kuki narco-terrorists, whom they hold responsible for attacks on civilians. They urged the state government to publicly declare its plans to address the crisis and restore peace. Another group of students from Kwakeithel also marched toward the Chief Minister’s residence, chanting slogans demanding the withdrawal of central forces for their failure to maintain peace and accusing the Centre of discriminatory policies against the Meitei community.
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Security forces halted the protesting students near the bungalow, and a few representatives were allowed to meet with the Chief Minister. Speaking to the media after the meeting, a student representative stated that the youth in the state are torn between focusing on their education and fighting for the integrity of Manipur. The Chief Minister reportedly assured the students that he is working on reclaiming authority over the Unified Command and committed to preventing security forces from using excessive force against peaceful student protests.
However, the protest further escalated as students attempted to storm the Raj Bhavan, demanding changes in the state’s leadership. They called for the immediate removal of the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Security Advisor, holding them responsible for the current turmoil. Concerns were also raised about the functioning of the Unified Command, which oversees security operations in the state.
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As tensions mounted, police intercepted the students and allowed a small group to enter the Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum outlining their demands. A scuffle ensued between the protesters and police, prompting the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least 30 students sustained minor injuries and were rushed to RIMS Hospital by the Red Cross Society for treatment. Imphal West District SP Ksh Shivakanta intervened to pacify the situation and urged the students to return home, appealing for peaceful demonstrations without violence.
The protesting students have outlined the following demands:-
1) As they have failed their duties and moral responsibilities, the present Security Advisor and DGP of Manipur must be immediately removed from their posts.
2) The overall unified command of Manipur must be handed over to the Chief Minister and the people’s elected Government of Manipur.
3) The Central Paramilitary forces deployed in Manipur must leave Manipur as they are nothing but mute spectators.
4) The 50 MLAs of Manipur, excluding the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, must announce their final stand and act now or else they are morally obliged to resign from their elected post.
5) The Government of India must immediately stop the proxy war upon the Meeteis/Meiteis. Save Manipur for we are Indians, or else leave Manipur alone to decide its own fate.
6) Manipur had enough! We can’t tolerate anymore. If the State continue to fail in protecting the lives and properties of the Meeteis/Meiteis, the students of Manipur will now unite and start to fight using every means at the front to save our future.
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