Several Manipur-based organisations staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday, demanding the immediate, safe and dignified return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes in Manipur.
The demonstration was jointly organised by the Delhi Meetei Co-Ordinating Committee (DMCC), Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD) and United Kakching Students (UKS).
Addressing the gathering, speakers accused the Centre of inaction and political indifference in dealing with the Manipur crisis. They said thousands of displaced people from both Meetei and Kuki communities continue to live in relief camps in unsafe and inhuman conditions, even more than a year after violence first broke out in the state.
Protesters criticised what they described as a “divide-and-rule” approach, alleging that armed ethnic groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement are being allowed to function, further deepening divisions and delaying the return of displaced families.
Several IDPs who were forced to flee their villages also took part in the protest. They said prolonged displacement has led to social and economic hardship and warned that continued confinement in relief camps amounts to a violation of basic rights and human dignity.
The protest was addressed by DMCC Convenor Dr Seram Rojesh, DMCC spokesperson Dr Naorem Bobo, DMCC advisor Hijam Rajen, social and gender activist Elizabeth, DMCC women’s wing spokesperson Sangeeta, MSAD president Lanchenbi, and Manipur Sikh and social activist Amarik Singh Pawal.
According to the organisers, more than 65,000 people from different communities have been displaced since May 3, 2025, turning them into what they described as “refugees in their own land”. They alleged that despite repeated assurances and a December 2025 deadline, the Centre has failed to roll out a clear rehabilitation policy or resettlement package.
Speakers also alleged that security forces have used force against peaceful IDPs demanding their right to return home, while armed groups under the SoO framework continue to operate. They said security agencies should protect civilians and uphold constitutional rights, rather than enforce divisions within the state.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s decision to dismantle Salwa Judum in Chhattisgarh, protesters argued that the use of armed proxy groups is unconstitutional and demanded similar action in Manipur. They maintained that lasting peace cannot be achieved through militarisation or ethnic segregation.
The demonstration concluded with a call for the restoration of constitutional governance and lasting peace in Manipur.
Key demands raised at the protest included:
Immediate, safe and dignified return of all IDPs from both Meetei and Kuki communities, along with security, rehabilitation and livelihood support.
Scrapping of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework and an end to alleged patronage of armed groups.
An end to divisive policies and steps to restore peace, unity and constitutional order in Manipur.