Imphal: Voices of anguish echoed across Manipur on Sunday as hundreds of women took to the streets in a large-scale protest, expressing deep frustration over the continuing ethnic violence and prolonged instability in the state. The demonstrators questioned the government’s claims of empowerment, asking pointedly, “We have been suffering for 3 years, is this ‘Nari Shakti’?”
The protest, organised by local women’s groups and civil society organisations, saw participants marching through key areas of Imphal with placards, slogans, and appeals for peace. Many of the women alleged that despite repeated assurances from authorities, normal life has not returned in several parts of the state, with displacement and insecurity continuing to affect daily existence.
The agitation comes amid ongoing tensions in Manipur, where ethnic violence that began in 2023 has resulted in prolonged humanitarian concerns, including loss of lives, destruction of homes, and large-scale displacement of families. Protesters said that women and children have borne the heaviest burden of the crisis, with many still living in relief camps.
Speakers at the protest criticised what they described as the gap between official statements and ground realities. They said that while the government often highlights empowerment of women and development initiatives, the lived experiences of people in conflict-affected areas tell a very different story.
Security forces were deployed in sensitive areas to ensure that the protest remained peaceful. No major incidents of violence were reported during the demonstration, though authorities maintained close surveillance as a precaution.
The ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party has previously stated that efforts are ongoing to restore peace in Manipur through dialogue, deployment of central forces, and rehabilitation measures for displaced families. However, opposition leaders and civil society groups continue to argue that the situation on the ground requires stronger and more consistent intervention.
Women participants in the protest also demanded faster rehabilitation, better protection in vulnerable areas, and accountability for the prolonged crisis. Many carried messages calling for justice, peace, and restoration of normal life.
The protest underscores the continuing emotional and social impact of the Manipur conflict, particularly on women who have emerged as prominent voices in demanding resolution and long-term stability in the state.
