As India prepares to celebrate its 76th Republic Day, Manipur is once again at the center of regional unrest. Militant organizations SOREPA and CorCom have called for a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations, urging a statewide shutdown. This latest development adds fuel to the 19-month-long conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, as Valley-based militants reject the national occasion. While the Valley remains resistant, the Hills are set to celebrate, further deepening the rift between the two regions of the state.
BY PC Bureau
Militant Outfits and Their Justifications
SOREPA (Socialist Revolutionary Party Kangleipak)
SOREPA has called for a 13-hour shutdown on January 26, 2025, from 4 am to 5 pm, urging citizens to boycott the Republic Day celebrations. The group’s primary grievance stems from what it calls the “forcible annexation” of Manipur into India on October 15, 1949. According to SOREPA, this marked the loss of Manipur’s sovereignty, which was previously enshrined in the Manipur Constitution Act of 1947.
In their statement, SOREPA characterized Republic Day as a symbol of “colonial occupation” and appealed to the people to refrain from participating in celebrations, describing them as a tacit endorsement of Indian governance. Essential services such as fire, water, electricity, medical services, religious ceremonies, and media activities were exempted from the shutdown order, reflecting a strategy to avoid alienating civilians.
REPUBLIC DAY NATTE COLONIALIST REPLICATE DAY NI, CorCom
INDIA GI MARAM CHADABA REPUBLIC DAY, BOYCOTT TOURE.
Read on : https://t.co/7g1dxyuRr7
🔗https://t.co/4Ndzhh8C9x pic.twitter.com/BWf8my3rD2— People’s Liberation Army Manipur (@PLAManipur) January 22, 2025
CorCom (Coordination Committee)
CorCom, an umbrella organization of six banned insurgent groups, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), and United National Liberation Front (UNLF), has announced an 18-hour shutdown from midnight on January 25 to 6 pm on January 26. In their declaration, CorCom accused the Indian government of turning Manipur into a “militarized state” and exploiting ethnic communities through intelligence agencies and security forces.
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The group criticized India’s policies, alleging that they promote “proxy insurgency” and “false indoctrination” to suppress indigenous movements. CorCom’s statement urged the public to boycott Republic Day activities and stay indoors while exempting essential services like healthcare and religious functions.
Arrests Linked to the Boycott
In the wake of the boycott announcement, security forces in Manipur intensified operations to counter potential threats. On January 19, 2025, four SOREPA cadres were apprehended near the Indo-Myanmar border during a joint operation by local police and paramilitary forces.
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Leishangthem Somorjit Singh alias Lemba (34)
- Pebam Malemnganba Singh alias Lamnganba (18)
- Laishram Nelson Singh alias Phirepa (22)
- Ningthoujam Milan Meitei alias Khamba (25)
The arrests were made based on intelligence reports linking the individuals to activities aimed at disrupting Republic Day celebrations. Security forces recovered communication devices, propaganda materials, and small arms during the operation.
In light of the boycott and the heightened risk of violence, the Manipur government has ramped up security measures across the state. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, addressing the media, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining the sanctity of Republic Day.
“The state will not bow to threats or intimidation from anti-national elements. Robust security arrangements have been made to ensure that the celebrations proceed without disruption,” the Chief Minister stated.
Key steps taken by the government include:
- Deployment of Additional Forces: Extra paramilitary and police personnel have been stationed at sensitive locations, including public venues and parade grounds.
- Aerial Surveillance: Drones have been deployed in insurgency-prone areas to monitor activities and ensure real-time intelligence.
- Checkpoints and Roadblocks: Security checkpoints have been set up along major highways and entry points to detect and deter any movement of insurgents.
- Community Engagement: Civil society organizations and local leaders have been roped in to encourage public participation and counter militant narratives.
The boycott calls have left civilians caught in a difficult situation. Many residents fear reprisals from militant groups if they defy the shutdown orders, leading to a subdued atmosphere during what is otherwise a day of national pride. Markets, schools, and public transport are expected to remain shut, with streets likely to be deserted during the bandh hours.
While some individuals and groups quietly resist by displaying the national flag or attending small-scale events, the majority choose to stay indoors, prioritizing safety over participation. Children, who typically look forward to school programs on Republic Day, often miss out on the celebrations due to security concerns.
The recurring calls for boycotting national events in Manipur underscore the deep-seated grievances in the region. Militant groups like SOREPA and CorCom continue to exert influence, leveraging historical and political discontent to rally support for their cause. However, these actions also highlight the challenges of governance in a state grappling with ethnic tensions, underdevelopment, and insurgency.
While the government’s security measures can prevent immediate disruptions, long-term peace in Manipur requires addressing the root causes of unrest. This includes fostering dialogue, promoting equitable development, and respecting the cultural and historical identity of the region’s diverse communities.
As Manipur braces for Republic Day under the shadow of militant threats, the hope remains that a day meant to celebrate democracy will one day truly unite all citizens, including those in its most troubled corners.
