Manipur Government Issues Strong Warning Against Unauthorized Decrees and Threats to Public Safety

The Manipur government has requested citizens to report any instances of threats, extortion, or coercion to authorities.

In Imphal, the Manipur government—which is approaching one year under President's rule—has issued a clear statement that no individual or group has the authority to issue decrees, impose punishments, or restrict legitimate cultural, economic, and artistic activities within the state.

Although the government did not specifically name any organizations or individuals, Manipur has experienced numerous destabilizing statements from various groups that would violate these principles—including objections against hosting the Sangai Festival and restrictions on free movement along National Highways with implicit threats.

"Any attempt to intimidate or endanger the safety and security of any citizen is an act against the State and its people," the government declared in its Thursday statement.

"Any individual or organisation, without exception, found involved in issuing such threats or attempting to disturb peaceful co-existence shall be prosecuted strictly in accordance with law," the statement continued.

A coalition of five banned Meitei insurgent groups had previously demanded public apologies from individuals and organizations that participated in the Sangai Festival before December 10, characterizing the event as a "betrayal" of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their suffering.

The government's warning carries significant weight as it has faced criticism from IDPs who claim insufficient action has been taken against anti-social elements regularly issuing statements that clearly contradict basic constitutional provisions.

While avoiding naming specific entities, the state government confirmed that police have already initiated action against such anti-social elements.

Recently, IDPs residing in Imphal, along with COCOMI (the umbrella organization of Meitei civil society groups), conducted street demonstrations against the Sangai Festival. Protesters argued that holding such a festival appeared insensitive while thousands continue to struggle in relief camps and have yet to return to their homes.

However, another segment of the population supported the festival despite challenging circumstances, expecting it to generate much-needed economic activity.

The state government has urged citizens to report any threats, extortion, coercion, or suspicious activities to their nearest police station.

"Prompt punitive action will be taken on all credible reports against those threatening the lives and properties of people of Manipur. The government had earlier established an anti-extortion cell under the Home Department..." the statement noted.

Since May 2023, when Meitei-Kuki ethnic clashes began, Manipur has documented numerous instances of extortion demands from illegal organizations targeting even police personnel. District police leaders in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur have instructed their staff not to comply with such demands.

"The state government reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguard the people of Manipur. It is an earnest appeal to the citizens to stand united against unlawful elements and to cooperate in the initiatives of the state government towards maintaining peace, harmony and public order to bring back the state to the path of growth and development," concluded the government statement signed by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel on Thursday.