Social movement for Manipuri Autonomous Council in Assam

The Manipuri Autonomous Council Demand Coordination Committee and various civil society organizations have been calling for the creation of Manipuri Autonomous Council, an autonomous council for the Manipuri community (also known as Meitei ethnicity) in Assam. This demand has gained attention through peaceful protests, public speeches, and submission of official memorandums to the state government.

 Background 

The Manipuri community (), also referred to as Meiteis (), has a long history in Assam. Their settlement in the region dates back several centuries, with historical connections to the Ahom and Kachari kingdoms. The community is mainly concentrated in the Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj (also referred to as Sribhumi). There are an estimated five to six lakh Manipuris living in more than 300 villages across the state.

Despite their significant population and historical presence, the Manipuris in Assam have expressed concerns over being under-represented in politics and state administration. They currently have no elected representatives in the Assam Legislative Assembly or the Indian Parliament.

K. Kundal Singh, chief advisor of the Manipuri Youth Association, said that the demand for an autonomous council for the Manipuri people in Assam was first made in 1969. He said that all governments in Assam have ignored the demand over the years. He also said that the first BJP government, led by Sarbananda Sonowal, had promised to create the council, but the promise was not fulfilled.

 Protests in Silchar 

 2010s 

On December 21, 2010, a large rally was held in Silchar to support the demand for a Manipuri Autonomous Council in Assam. The rally was organized by the All Assam Manipuri Youth Association (AAMYA) with help from the Manipuri National Council.

More than 4,000 people from 15 Manipuri organizations joined the rally. It started from Manipuri Para in Itkhola and moved through several important areas of the town. After the rally, a memorandum was given to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, addressed to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, asking the government to set up the council.

 2020s 
On July 10, 2025, over 200 people from the Manipuri community held a sit-in protest in front of the Khudiram Bose statue on Club Road in Silchar, Cachar district. The protest was organized by the Manipuri Autonomous Council Demand Coordination Committee, with support from ten civil society organizations.

Protesters carried placards and shouted slogans like "We Want Manipuri Autonomous Council, It is Our Constitutional Right". They called for the immediate creation of a council that would help protect their political, social, and cultural rights.

 Statements by leaders 

K. Shanti Kumar Singh, chairman of the committee, emphasized that the community is deeply rooted in the region and has contributed to the cultural, educational, military, and administrative life of Assam. He stated that the lack of representation has caused systemic deprivation, comparing the Manipuris’ situation to other communities such as the Morans, Motaks, and Koch Rajbongshis, who were granted autonomous councils in 2020.

Singh also pointed out that the Dimasa community, which has a smaller population than the Manipuris, already has an autonomous council. He argued that the Manipuris deserve similar recognition. He recalled that on March 9, 2021, then Health Minister and current Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had publicly assured the formation of a Manipuri autonomous council in the presence of Manipur’s former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. However, Singh said that no action has been taken since then.

Ksh. Singhajit Singh, convener of the committee, added that the community continues to be under-represented in state politics, despite its historical importance and long-standing contributions.

 Memorandum to the government 

A memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam through the District Commissioner of Cachar on June 23, ahead of the protest. It outlined the community’s demands and warned that protests would intensify if the government failed to respond.

 Nature of the demonstration 

The protest in Silchar was peaceful and disciplined, with participation from community leaders, women activists, students, and youth. The protest aimed to draw attention to the community’s call for autonomy, representation, and cultural preservation.

 Supporting organizations 
 All Assam Manipuri Youth Association (AAMYA)
 Manipuri National Council (MNC)

 Manipuri Youth Front of Assam (MYFA)

 Young Manipuri Council, Assam (YMCA)

 All Assam Manipuri Women Meirapaibi Co-ordination Committee

 Apunba Meira Paibi Lup

 All Assam Meiteis’ Women Protection and Development Committee

 Society for Meitei Chamber of Commerce

 Women Action Committee for Village Protection

 All Assam Manipuri Muslim Meirapaibi Sangtha

 Other local organizations and civil society groups

 Related pages 
 Meitei language in Assam
 Ahom-Meitei relations
 Kuranganayani
 Induprabha

 References 

Category:Meitei people
Category:Assam