Silchar, a bustling town in southern Assam, witnessed fresh political unrest on Friday as hundreds gathered under the banner of the Manipuri Autonomous Council Demand Coordination Committee (MACDCC).
Protesters renewed their longstanding demand for the creation of a Manipuri Autonomous Council in Assam, a demand they say is crucial for preserving the community’s identity, culture, and rights.
The demonstration drew people from various parts of the Barak Valley and highlighted deep frustrations within the Manipuri community over the government’s delay in addressing their aspirations.
Protesters Highlight Cultural and Political Concerns
Carrying banners and shouting slogans, protesters marched through key roads in Silchar before assembling near the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Leaders of the MACDCC submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Assam, demanding immediate steps toward forming the council.
A senior leader of the committee stated:
“The Manipuri community has contributed to Assam’s history and economy. We want our language, culture, and development needs safeguarded. An autonomous council is our right.”
Protesters warned that if the government continued to ignore their plea, they would intensify their agitation across the Barak Valley.
Historical Roots of the Demand
The demand for a Manipuri Autonomous Council is not new.
Manipuri leaders argue that their community, despite being a significant linguistic and cultural group in Assam, lacks proper institutional mechanisms to protect their interests.
They point to existing councils like the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Bodoland Territorial Region as examples of how autonomy can help ethnic groups manage their own affairs while remaining part of Assam.
The MACDCC believes a separate council would ensure focused development, preservation of cultural heritage, and representation in administrative decisions.
Silchar’s Strategic Significance
Silchar, as the commercial and cultural hub of the Barak Valley, has often been the stage for political movements linked to language, identity, and ethnic rights.
Friday’s protest once again highlighted how deeply the issues of autonomy and representation resonate among various communities in the region.
Local shopkeepers and residents observed the demonstration peacefully, although traffic disruptions were reported in parts of the town due to the large gathering.
A college student participating in the protest shared:
“We are not demanding separation. We want a council within Assam to secure our future. This is about dignity and identity.”
Government’s Position So Far
The Assam government has acknowledged the community’s demands in the past but has yet to take concrete steps toward establishing a Manipuri Autonomous Council.
Officials have cited the need for further studies on population figures, administrative viability, and potential boundaries for any new council.
However, community leaders argue that repeated delays are pushing younger generations toward disillusionment.
A representative from MACDCC said:
“We’ve been patient for decades. It’s time the government takes a decision instead of offering assurances without action.”
Political Reactions
Friday’s protest drew mixed reactions from Assam’s political spectrum.
Some regional parties expressed support for the Manipuri community’s demand, describing it as a legitimate aspiration for self-governance.
Opposition leaders accused the ruling government of ignoring minority communities and warned that continued neglect could fuel unrest in the Barak Valley.
Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has maintained that discussions on new autonomous councils will proceed only after thorough consultations and legal reviews.
A BJP leader in Silchar commented:
“We understand the emotions of the Manipuri community. But such matters involve legal, administrative, and financial considerations.”
Community Stresses Peaceful Path
Despite their growing impatience, protest leaders emphasised that their movement remains peaceful and democratic.
They urged community members to maintain calm and avoid any actions that could lead to communal tensions.
The MACDCC plans to organise further rallies and public meetings in the coming weeks if the government fails to respond decisively.
Follow updates on political developments in Assam here.
Path Ahead for the Manipuri Community
As the protest ended, there was a mix of hope and anxiety among the Manipuri community in Silchar.
Many expressed determination to continue the fight for their rights but also fear that prolonged delays could erode trust in democratic processes.
A Manipuri elder reflected on the day’s events:
“We are part of Assam’s rich tapestry. We seek recognition and respect, not division.”
Whether the government moves forward with the formation of the Manipuri Autonomous Council could shape both the political landscape of the Barak Valley and the future of Assam’s ethnic harmony.