SILCHAR, July 11: Over 200 members of the Manipuri community staged a peaceful sit-in demonstration in Silchar on Thursday, demanding the creation of a Manipuri Autonomous Council in Assam. The protest, organized by the Manipuri Autonomous Council Demand Coordination Committee, Assam, was held at the pedestal of Shahid Khudiram Bose’s statue and drew participants from across Barak Valley, including the districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi.
The demonstrators, including women activists, students, community leaders, and youth, held placards and banners as they called for administrative and political recognition through an autonomous council. The protestors emphasized the historical roots and cultural contributions of the Manipuri people in Assam, asserting their long-standing demand for representation and socio-political inclusion.
“The Manipuris are one of the most ancient and culturally rich communities settled in Assam. With an estimated population of five lakh across nearly 335 villages, our history in Assam dates back centuries, with deep connections to the Ahom kingdom and the undivided Cachar region,” stated K. Shantee Kumar Singh, chairman of the organizing committee.
He highlighted the enduring historical presence of the Manipuri community since the 16th century, citing their significant role in shaping Assam’s cultural, educational, military, and administrative landscapes. Despite this legacy, Singh stressed that the community continues to face exclusion and neglect in state policies and political representation.
Echoing this sentiment, committee convener Ksh. Singhajit Singh pointed out that the Manipuri community remains under-represented in the Assam Legislative Assembly. He urged the state government to acknowledge their historical and cultural significance by granting them an autonomous council to address their developmental and identity-based needs.
As part of the protest, a memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam through the District Commissioner of Cachar on June 23, demanding urgent action on the matter. The demonstration concluded peacefully, reinforcing the community’s resolve for a constitutional mechanism to safeguard their identity and ensure equitable development within Assam’s administrative framework.
