Massive Rally in Silchar: Manipuris of Assam Demand Autonomous Council, Submit Historic Memorandum to CM
Lakhipuronline Digital Desk, January 6, 2026:
The streets of Silchar witnessed a historic outpouring of solidarity and democratic assertion on Monday, January 5, as thousands of people belonging to the Manipuri community marched in unison to demand the creation of a Manipuri Autonomous Council in Assam. Organized by the Manipuri Autonomous Council Demand Co-ordination Committee (MACCOCOM), the rally was not merely a show of strength but a desperate plea for constitutional safeguards to protect the identity, culture, and political future of one of Assam’s most ancient communities.
The demand comes at a critical juncture in the socio-political landscape of Assam, where various indigenous communities have been granted autonomous councils to accelerate development and preserve their unique heritage. The Manipuri community, with a population of approximately 5 lakhs scattered across 325 villages in the state, argues that despite their deep historical roots and contributions to the region, they have been gradually marginalized, necessitating a dedicated administrative mechanism.
A Sea of Voices: The Rally Route and Atmosphere
The demonstration began at 10:00 AM from the premises of the historic Bir Tikendrajit School in Itkhola, a location symbolic of Manipuri bravery and resilience. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as men, women, and youth from various constituent bodies—including the Meira Paibi organizations—gathered under the banner of MACCOCOM. The procession traversed through the heart of Silchar town, passing through prominent landmarks such as Irabot Sarani, India Club, the Superintendent of Police (SP) office, and Park Road. The sheer scale of the rally brought traffic to a standstill, drawing the attention of the general public to the community's long-standing grievances. The march culminated in front of the Cachar District Commissioner’s office, where the leadership submitted a detailed memorandum addressed to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The memorandum was signed by key leaders of the movement, including Chairman K. Shanti Kumar Singh, Working Chairman Ng. Ramakanta Singha, and Convener Ksh. Singhajit Singh. It articulates a vision for the community that aligns with the state government's policy of inclusive development.The Core Argument: Parity with Other Indigenous Communities
The primary thrust of the demand rests on the principle of equality and administrative precedence. The memorandum highlights that the Government of Assam has already constituted autonomous councils for several Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities, such as the Moran, Mattak, and Koch-Rajbongshi peoples. These councils have been instrumental in administering welfare schemes, protecting cultural assets, and addressing developmental voids within their respective domains. The Manipuri community in Assam, which is also classified under the OBC category, argues that they face similar, if not more acute, challenges. The leaders emphasized that the establishment of a Manipuri Autonomous Council would serve as a "much-needed platform" for:- Decentralized Planning: Allowing the community to implement welfare programs tailored to their specific needs in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Cultural Preservation: Institutionalizing the protection of the Manipuri language, dance forms, and customary traditions which are currently under threat of dilution.
- Economic Empowerment: Creating targeted entrepreneurship programs and skill development centers to reduce unemployment among Manipuri youth.
Deep Historical Roots: From Royal Alliances to the Seven Years Devastation
One of the most compelling aspects of the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister is its reliance on irrefutable historical evidence proving that Manipuris are not recent settlers but integral to the history of Assam and the Barak Valley. The document cites several historical milestones that cement their indigenous status. The relationship between the Ahom Kingdom and the Manipuri Kingdom dates back centuries. The memorandum references the matrimonial alliance of 1768, where Princess Kuranganayani, daughter of Maharaja Bhagyachandra of Manipur, was married to Swargadeo Rajeshwar Singha of the Ahom dynasty. This alliance was not just ceremonial; Manipuri soldiers played a pivotal role in assisting the Ahom monarch in reclaiming his throne during the Moamaria rebellion. Many of these soldiers subsequently settled near the mouth of the Desoi river at Magaluhat. Furthermore, the connection with the Barak Valley (formerly undivided Cachar) is equally profound. The memorandum cites the "Seven Years Devastation" (1819–1826), a dark period in history when the Burmese invaded Manipur. During this tumultuous era, thousands of Manipuris, including the royal family members like Maharaja Chourjit Singh, Marjit Singh, and Gambhir Singh, sought refuge in Cachar. The document notes that historical records, including the Treaty of Yandaboo (1826) and colonial administrative reports by Captain Fisher (Superintendent of Cachar), corroborate the establishment of permanent Manipuri settlements in the region to maintain stability on the frontier. Thus, the presence of Manipuris in Assam is not accidental but a result of centuries of geopolitical shifts and alliances.
The Crisis of Political Representation
Perhaps the most alarming data point presented by MACCOCOM is the total erosion of political representation for the community. The memorandum points out that the Manipuri community was once politically vibrant and visible in the Assam Legislative Assembly. In the past decades, the community produced six elected Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs):- N. Bidyapati Singha (Hailakandi, 1946)
- L. Merachauba Singha (Lakhipur, 1967)
- S. Subhankar Singha (Lakhipur, 1972)
- Kaji Kutub (Lakhipur, 1978)
- Nurul Huda (Silchar, 1978)
- Kutub Ahmed Mazumder (Sonai, 2006)
Socio-Economic Stagnation in Rural Areas
While the Manipuri community is often perceived as culturally rich, the economic reality in many of the 325 Manipuri-inhabited villages tells a different story. The memorandum stresses that many areas in Cachar, Hojai, Kamrup, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi remain underdeveloped. There is a visible lack of targeted welfare schemes, healthcare facilities, and educational infrastructure in these specific pockets. The leaders argued that a centralized administration often adopts a "one-size-fits-all" approach that fails to address the unique micro-economic challenges of the Manipuri pockets. A dedicated Council would have the mandate to focus on agricultural development, scholarships for students, and infrastructure projects specifically designed for these neglected areas.Why This Matters for Assam
The demand for a Manipuri Autonomous Council is significant because it reflects a broader trend in Assam’s polity—the move towards identity-based federalism where distinct communities seek space to manage their own socio-cultural affairs within the framework of the state. For the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government, which has championed the cause of indigenous rights and protecting local heritage, this demand presents a legitimate case. The rally in Silchar demonstrated that this is not a divisive movement but one seeking integration through empowerment. The organizers explicitly stated that their demand aims to "promote harmony, integration, and inclusive development," rejecting any notion of separatism.Conclusion
The massive turnout in Silchar sends a clear message to Dispur: the Manipuri community of Assam is no longer willing to remain on the political sidelines. Armed with historical documents, constitutional precedents, and a unified voice, they have laid out a compelling case for autonomy. As the memorandum now rests with the Chief Minister, the community waits with "sincere anticipation" for a positive response. The creation of a Manipuri Autonomous Council would not only rectify historical neglect but also serve as a testament to Assam’s commitment to embracing its diverse cultural mosaic. For the 5 lakh Manipuris of Assam, this Council is not just an administrative body; it is a question of survival and dignity.✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team
