Manipur Valley Sees ‘Noise Protest’ Against Continuing Ethnic Conflict
Residents across Manipur’s five valley districts staged a coordinated noise protest from 7:30 pm to 8 pm on Friday, expressing concern over continuing violence and demanding action on security and political issues. Security forces stopped demonstrators near Kangla, with tear gas later used to disperse a gathering near Lok Bhavan.
IMPHAL- Residents across Manipur’s five valley districts staged a coordinated “noise protest” on Friday evening, expressing frustration over continuing violence and what protesters described as the government’s failure to restore lasting peace amid the prolonged ethnic conflict.
The protest took place between 7:30 pm and 8 pm, with residents in different parts of Imphal and other valley areas banging utensils, striking electric poles with hammers, honking vehicle horns, beating traditional drums and shouting slogans. Some residents also briefly switched off their lights at around 7:50 pm.
The demonstration followed a statewide call by the Federation of Haomee, a civil society organisation representing indigenous communities, which described the action as a collective expression of anguish over insecurity and the continuing crisis.
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March Towards Kangla Halted by Security Forces
Groups of protesters marched towards Kangla, the historic political and cultural centre of the erstwhile Manipur kingdom, located near Lok Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Security personnel stopped groups at Palace Compound, Moirangkhom and Keisampat junctions. Hundreds of demonstrators reportedly reached the Kangla gate but were prevented from entering the fort premises.
Police later fired tear gas shells to disperse people gathered near Lok Bhavan and erected barricades after 8 pm. According to the information provided, no injuries or violence were reported during the protest.
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Federation of Haomee Calls It a Traditional ‘War Cry’
Federation of Haomee Secretary General Vicisy Shimrey described the demonstration as a traditional form of expressing anguish, dissatisfaction and suffering among indigenous communities.
He said people had endured the crisis for more than three years and alleged that the authorities had not taken adequate steps to establish lasting peace.
Shimrey also raised concerns about demographic changes, alleged attacks on indigenous communities, the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and illegal immigration. He called for an update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before any fresh census.
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Protesters Raise Multiple Demands
Participants raised slogans demanding the abrogation of the SoO agreement, an NRC update, deportation of people they described as foreigners, an end to what they called the government’s “divide-and-rule” policy, restrictions on the movement of armed militants in hill areas and opposition to any separate administration for Manipur.
Men, women and children participated in the demonstration. A major gathering was reported at Sawombung Kabui Khunjao.
One participant said the protest was intended to make political leaders hear the public’s concerns, alleging that repeated appeals over various demands had not received adequate attention.
Another participant, Hera Kabui, urged the Centre and the state government to prioritise the protection of indigenous communities and the future of younger generations. She also criticised what she described as vote-bank politics and a divide-and-rule approach.
The demands and allegations expressed during the protest represent the positions of the participating organisations and demonstrators.
Ethnic Conflict Continues to Shape Public Concerns
Manipur has experienced ethnic violence since May 2023, resulting in deaths, displacement and prolonged insecurity. Despite administrative changes and repeated assurances, concerns about civilian safety, law and order and the prospects for lasting peace have continued.
Friday’s demonstration used a traditional form of collective expression to draw attention to those concerns. The mobilisation also highlighted demands relating to the SoO agreement, immigration, security arrangements and the state’s political future.
The immediate significance of the protest lay in its coordinated participation across the valley districts and the march towards Kangla, where security forces prevented demonstrators from entering the premises.
