Thousands of people marched in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, in a powerful show of support for peace and state unity. On a clear Saturday morning, a massive crowd walked together, calling for an end to the ethnic violence that has troubled the region since May 2023.
Understanding Manipur's Ethnic Conflict: Roots of the Crisis
The conflict in Manipur is a complex struggle over land, rights, and identity. It primarily involves the Meitei community, who mostly live in the valleys, and the Kuki-Zo tribes, who primarily live in the hills.
Why did the violence start?
Tensions exploded on May 3, 2023, over long-standing issues: What happen in Manipur?? pic.twitter.com/ktFgelWgvR
Scheduled Tribe Status: The Meitei community's request for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status is seen by Kuki-Zo groups as a threat to their land rights and political representation in the hill areas.
Land and Resources: There are disputes over who controls land and natural resources, linked to fears of losing ancestral territories.
Illegal Immigration: Accusations of illegal immigration from Myanmar, tied to poppy cultivation and weapons smuggling, have further fueled distrust.
The results have been devastating: over 260 lives lost and more than 60,000 people forced from their homes. The situation became so severe that the central government suspended the state assembly in February 2025 to restore order.
Inside the 'Save Manipur' Rally: A Call for Integrity
The January 31, 2026, rally was a major public demonstration demanding action. Organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the event aimed to send a united message to the government.
Key details of the rally include:
Mass Participation: Thousands joined, carrying placards with messages like "No compromise on Manipur's integrity." The crowd included people from different communities and those displaced by the violence.
Peaceful Protest: The march moved peacefully from Tiddim Ground to Thau Ground in Imphal. A voluntary shutdown of businesses amplified the call for attention.
Clear Message: Organizers stated the goal was to strongly reflect the people's aspirations for normalcy, security, and the protection of Manipur's territorial unity.
Key Demands from the Rally: What Protesters Want
The rally concluded with strong resolutions aimed at solving the crisis. Participants called for:
- Withdrawal from Agreements: An end to any pacts or talks with Kuki militant groups.
- Rehabilitation: Fast and fair resettlement for all internally displaced people (IDPs).
- National Register of Citizens (NRC): Implementation of the NRC in Manipur to address concerns about illegal immigration.
- Action on Crime: A crackdown on cross-border networks involved in drugs and arms smuggling.
The Challenge Ahead: Differing Visions for Manipur
Finding a solution remains difficult because communities have different needs. While the rally emphasized unity, Kuki-Zo groups have consistently demanded a separate administration for their hill districts for safety and self-governance. Recent attacks on security forces and violations of buffer zones show that tensions remain high and the situation is fragile.
The core challenge is balancing these perspectives. Lasting peace requires addressing the legitimate fears and aspirations of all communities involved.
The Path to Peace in Manipur: Building a Shared Future
The peaceful rally is a hopeful sign of a public mandate for peace. Experts suggest several steps to move forward:
- Federal Mediation: Active and fair mediation by the central government.
- Inclusive Dialogue: Creating safe spaces for community leaders from all sides to talk.
- Economic Development: Initiatives that create jobs and opportunities for youth.
- Rebuilding Trust: Confidence-building measures and empathetic local governance.
For the people of Manipur, unity is the foundation for a safe and prosperous future. This march is a significant step, highlighting that the people's will for peace is strong.
The hope now is for concrete actions that translate this public sentiment into lasting reconciliation.
