Many condemn
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 26 2026: Various organisations have condemned the assault on Mayengbam Somorjit Luwang, former president of the Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), by a mob at Khwairamband Keithel yesterday.

DESAM, Jiribam District Council, stated that the assault on Somorjit by individuals suspected to be hired assailants, as well as attempts by certain groups to misrepresent the people's movement, were actions carried out by those with vested interests.

It appealed to those responsible for the assault to come forward with a clarification and take steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The All Clubs Coordinating Committee (ACCC), in a statement, also stated that the attack on Somorjit, who was participating in a rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), could be the work of hired assailants.

Condemning the assault in the strongest terms, the ACCC expressed concerns that certain groups may be attempting to sow division among the people and divert attention from the issues plaguing Manipur.

SSUM also stated that it strongly condemns the violence that erupted during yesterday's mass agitation rally, which was 'democratically' carried out by the people to demand a clear, responsible, and concrete stance from the Government on the ongoing crisis.

The union also stated that the assault on the former DESAM president undermines the very spirit of democratic expression.

Meanwhile, SSUM expressed concern that the recent series of disturbing incidents, including the bomb attack at Trongloabi that killed two siblings, the CRPF firing that claimed three lives, and the ambush near TM Kasom that killed two Naga civilians, reflect the ongoing deterioration of law and order in the State.

The union stated that students have emerged as one of the worst affected sections of society amid the prolonged unrest, noting that the education system has been severely disrupted, with irregular classes, postponed examinations, and incomplete syllabi becoming common.

The future of Manipur lies in its students, the union emphasised, urging the Government to take a clear and accountable stance on the ongoing crisis.

It also called for an impartial investigation into all incidents of violence and the implementation of urgent measures to protect students' academic futures.

The Thadou Students' Association (TSA) also condemned the attack on the former DESAM president.

Somorjit's dedication to the unity, progress, and integrity of Manipur, as well as his constructive engagement with various tribal communities including Thadou, is widely acknowledged and respected, it said and added that any attack on him, whether linked to COCOMI or otherwise, is strongly condemned by TSA.

Differences and misunderstandings must be addressed through dialogue and mutual respect, it said, emphasising that violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.

TSA urged those responsible for the assault on Somorjit to come forward, acknowledge their actions, and issue an unconditional public apology without delay.

Accountability and reconciliation are essential to preserving social harmony and public trust, TSA said.

TSA also appealed to all sections of society to remain united and place the larger interests of the people above personal or sectional ambitions.

TSA is committed to peace, justice, communal harmony, and the welfare of all communities in the State, it said.

The Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA), on the other hand, urged those responsible for the assault on the former DESAM president to issue a public apology.

In a statement, CADA expressed concern that certain groups might be attempting to tarnish the image of COCOMI.

CADA expressed suspicion that the assault on the former DESAM president during yesterday's protest might have been orchestrated by individuals with vested interests.

It urged the Government to arrest and punish those responsible for the assault on Somorjit.

COCOMI has been at the forefront of the movement to protect Manipur since the onset of the crisis, and had played a key role in rescuing Meitei people from Churachandpur, as well as safely evacuating several Kuki individuals to hill districts, it said.

It stated the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists, who are the proxy force of the Government of India, however, have been waging a violent campaign against the indigenous people of Manipur.

Somorjit's brother was brutally killed by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists, CADA said.

League of Indigenous People's Upliftment (LIPUL) also condemned the assault and urged the Government to arrest and penalise those responsible.

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