Manipur sit-in protest entered its third day on September 16 as civil society organisations continued their demonstration at Singjamei Naorem Leikai in Imphal West. The protesters have submitted a six-point charter focused on the National Register of Citizens (NRC), electoral roll revision, internally displaced persons (IDPs), AFSPA, Manipur’s territorial and social integrity, and an end to the ongoing crisis.
Six key demands at the centre of the protest
The Manipur sit-in protest is being held under the aegis of the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), along with the All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Progressive League of Manipur (PLMPAM), Coalition of Indigenous Rights (COHR) and Manipur Students’ Federation (MSF).
The six demands raised by the groups are:
- Updating the NRC with 1951 as the base year before the Census.
- Annulment of the recently completed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of electoral rolls.
- Early resettlement of internally displaced persons.
- Complete repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, across Manipur.
- Protection of Manipur’s territorial and social integrity.
- Ending the ongoing crisis and the suffering of the people.
The demands reflect several issues that have remained central to public mobilisation in the state since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023.
NRC demand remains a major focus
A major issue in the Manipur sit-in protest is the demand to update the NRC using 1951 as the base year. The organisers have urged the state government to put pressure on the Centre to initiate the process.
The demand has featured prominently in recent protests across the state. On September 13, similar sit-ins were held at Singjamei Makha Naorem Leikai and Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai. The groups said the government should pursue the NRC process before the population Census and also called for the annulment of SIR 2026.
The issue has also featured in political and civil society discussions. On September 15, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired an all-party meeting on the NRC, with representatives of political parties and civil society organisations participating in discussions.
Protesters seek relief for displaced people
Another central demand concerns the large number of people displaced by the prolonged conflict. Protest organisers have called for the early resettlement of IDPs, arguing that affected families should be able to return to stable living conditions.
The organisers have also linked their demands to the wider humanitarian impact of the crisis. According to AMUCO representative Sorokhaibam Sanjoy Singh, people continue to face difficult conditions in relief camps, while the prolonged conflict has affected communities across the state.
AFSPA repeal and security concerns
The Manipur sit-in protest also calls for the complete repeal of AFSPA throughout the state. The demand forms part of a broader appeal for changes in the security situation and greater protection for civilians.
The organisations have also called for protection of Manipur’s territorial and social integrity. Their broader position is that authorities must take steps to address the continuing crisis and reduce the suffering of people affected by the conflict.
Organisers warn of further action
The Manipur sit-in protest began on September 13 and has continued at Singjamei Naorem Leikai. Organisers have indicated that the agitation will continue until the authorities respond to their demands.
Sanjoy Singh said the organisations could intensify the movement if their concerns remain unaddressed. The groups have presented the demonstrations as part of a continuing campaign around the NRC, displaced people, security laws and the broader crisis in the state.
Wider protests continue across Manipur
The latest demonstration comes amid several other public agitations in Manipur. In recent weeks, civil society groups have organised protests around the NRC, Census-related concerns and the security situation.
The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation has also continued its agitation over demands linked to NRC updation. The group has called for the NRC to be updated with 1951 as the base year and has announced further forms of protest over the issue.
The Manipur sit-in protest therefore adds to a wider series of demonstrations seeking government action on issues connected with identity, displacement, security and the continuing conflict.
As the sit-in enters its third day, the organisers are maintaining pressure on the state and Centre to consider the six-point charter. Whether the authorities respond through further dialogue or administrative measures is likely to shape the next phase of the agitation.