Manipur Protests Intensify Over AFSPA Reimposition and Jiribam Tragedy

Imphal:A massive protest rally took place in Manipur, fueled by public outrage over the recent reintroduction of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the killing of six Meitei civilians in Jiribam. Despite a curfew, the demonstration, organized by groups such as the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Manipur, the Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF), and the All Manipur Woman Voluntary Organisations, started at Kwakeithel Tiddim ground and marched to Keisampat Junction.
The rally was sparked by growing concerns after the fatal shooting of Senior SP (Operations) Nectar Sanjenbam in Jiribam, which occurred shortly after AFSPA was reimposed in the district. Public anger has intensified following the November 11 killings of six Meitei civilians by Kuki militants, further fueling calls for a review of the controversial law.Ph Nando Luwang, President of AMUCO, strongly condemned the reinstatement of AFSPA, referring to it as a “draconian” law that exacerbates the already fragile peace in the region. He argued that the decision to reimpose AFSPA in six specific police stations was unjustifiable and would only deepen the suffering of the people, rather than solving the crisis. “Manipur has suffered long enough under AFSPA. The authorities must reconsider and repeal it immediately,” Luwang urged.Luwang also expressed his frustration over the central government’s response to the ongoing crisis, which has continued for over 18 months. He criticized the government’s inaction, accusing it of neglecting the plight of the Meitei community and suggesting that it seemed as if there was a deliberate attempt to erase their presence from the state.As the protests gain momentum, the demand for the repeal of AFSPA and justice for the victims of the Jiribam killings is becoming louder across Manipur.