Lakhipuronline Digital Desk, March 3, 2026: The long-standing aspiration of the Manipuri community in Assam for greater political, administrative, and cultural representation witnessed a powerful resurgence on Monday. The Manipuri Autonomous Council Demand Co-ordination Committee orchestrated a massive, three-hour peaceful dharna (sit-in protest) near the Fulertal bypass in Lakhipur, Cachar. This significant demonstration underscored the community’s unwavering resolve to secure a separate autonomous council to safeguard their socio-economic future in the state.
Hundreds of supporters and key leaders from diverse socio-cultural factions converged at the protest site, situated at the base of the statues honoring Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore, freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu, and Thangal General. The proceedings commenced formally with the committee dignitaries lighting lamps in reverence to these historical figures, setting a solemn yet determined tone for the agitation that lasted from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
A Historic Convergence of Community Leaders
What set this demonstration apart was the unprecedented unity and the presence of virtually every prominent voice within the Manipuri diaspora of Assam. The protest served as a common platform for academicians, youth leaders, women's groups, and veteran administrative figures to amplify their collective voice.
The movement was spearheaded by the core leadership of the Manipuri Autonomous Council Demand Co-ordination Committee, including Chairman and retired ACS officer Kangabam Shantikumar, Working Chairman Ngangom Ramakanta, and Convenor Kshetrimayum Singhajit. They were strongly supported by AASU Executive Member Kh. Krishnamohan Singh,Naharol Khorirol Sillup Assam President Thokchom Biswanath and prominent academician Prof. Kh. Dhiren Singha from Assam University, who provided intellectual and strategic backing to the demands.
The active participation of the Manipuri Muslim community further cemented the movement's inclusive nature. Key figures such as Ahmed Choudhury, Chief Advisor of the Manipuri Muslim Youth Front, and the organization's General Secretary, Ziaur Rahman, delivered impassioned speeches. Additionally, the vital women’s demographic was fiercely represented by the Meira Paibi (women torchbearers) groups. Prominent women leaders included Konjengbam Auna Devi President All Assam Manipuri Women Meira Paibi Co-ordination Committee, Central Committee, alongside Jubeda Begum (President) Assam Manipuri Muslim Meira paibi Sangstha and Sangita Begum (President) of the All Assam Manipuri Muslim meira Paibi sangsthan. Other notable leaders who actively participated and spoke at the venue included Raju Khumujam Advisor YMCA, Okram Lakhikanta Advisor YMCA, YMCA President Romen Luwang, YMCA General Secretary Roshan Erom Women Action Committee for Village Protection HO Lakhipur President Sunita Konthoujam, Ngangom Niranjan Advisor UMAA and other prominent members.
Background & Context: The Push for Autonomy
The organized push for this council is the culmination of decades of advocacy. The current Co-ordination Committee, formally structured on May 7, 2025, effectively brought 11 distinct Manipuri organizations under a single operational umbrella. However, the grassroots sentiment has been brewing for much longer across the Barak Valley and Hojai districts.
Extra Knowledge: Statutory Autonomous Councils in Assam For readers outside the administrative loop, Assam has a unique framework for empowering minority ethnic groups. While the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution governs hill districts with significant autonomy, the State Government also possesses the legislative authority to form Statutory Autonomous Councils for other indigenous and ethnic communities. These state-created councils receive dedicated budgetary allocations and administrative privileges to foster economic development and preserve the language and culture of the community without altering existing district borders. Following the state's recent decision to grant such councils to the Moran, Motok, and Koch-Rajbongshi communities, the Manipuri diaspora strongly believes their historical contributions to Assam validate a similar constitutional recognition.
Impact on Local Community / Region
The Manipuri population has been an integral part of Assam's demographic fabric for centuries, particularly in Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj. Their contributions span across Assam's agricultural sector, the handloom and handicraft industry, and the state's rich literary and cultural heritage.
The establishment of a Manipuri Autonomous Council would be a transformative milestone. It would guarantee a decentralized channel for development funds, allowing for targeted infrastructure and educational improvements in Manipuri-majority pockets. More importantly, it would create an institutional safeguard for the Manipuri language—already recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution—ensuring its survival and promotion among future generations in Assam.
Memorandum Submitted to the Chief Minister
Concluding their three-hour peaceful agitation, theSanti unified leadership transitioned to formal administrative procedures to ensure their voices reached Dispur. The Co-ordination Committee drafted a comprehensive memorandum detailing their historical justifications and demographic data, addressed directly to Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Due to the official absence of the Circle Officer (CDC) Dhrubajyoti Pathak, the delegation—led by Chairman K. Santikumar Singha —officially handed over the memorandum to Assistant Commissioner Manas Pratim Bongjang at the local administrative office.
Why This Matters / Key Takeaways
The unified front presented at the Fulertal bypass is a strong indicator of the shifting socio-political dynamics in the Barak Valley. The movement highlights several critical socio-political factors:
- Democratic Resilience: Chairman K. Shantikumar reiterated that the movement is fundamentally rooted in democratic principles. The community plans to continue their peaceful, non-violent agitation until the state government addresses their legitimate constitutional demands.
- Equitable Representation: The leaders emphasized that since other deserving communities have recently been granted developmental councils, denying the same to the historically significant Manipuri community is perceived as a critical administrative oversight.
- Strategic Timing: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated for an official visit to the Barak Valley region on March 14, the timing of this massive protest is calculated. When questioned by reporters, Chairman Shantikumar indicated that the committee's high command is actively deliberating whether to submit a direct memorandum to the Prime Minister during his upcoming visit, potentially elevating a state-level issue to a national platform.
As the voices in Lakhipur grow louder and more organized, the state government faces mounting pressure to open a dialogue. The steps taken by Dispur in the coming months will be pivotal in addressing the aspirations of one of Assam's most vibrant and historically significant communities.
✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team