Manipur marks 3rd anniversary of ethnic violence with Statewide tributes and observances
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal/Kakching/Bishnupur/Jiribam, May 03 2026: Marking the third anniversary of the ethnic violence that has engulfed Manipur since May 3, 2023, commemorative programmes were held across the State and beyond on Sunday.

Organised by various civil society organisations, the observances served as a solemn reminder of the deep scars left by three years of conflict, with people paying floral tributes, offering prayers, and renewing calls for peace and normalcy.

THOUBAL

At Lamding in Thoubal district, the Youths of Lamding observed the day as "Meitei Mikap Thokpa Numit" at the Lamding Multipurpose Community Hall.

Clubs and organisations from five localities, along with elders, Meira Paibis, youths and students, offered floral tributes and prayers for the departed souls.

Family members of late Chirom Icha Meitei of Moreh Ward No 7 and Tourangbam Rishikumar of Lamding Laishram Mamang Leikai also attended the programme.

Manipur marks 3rd anniversary of ethnic violence with Statewide tributes and observances

A memorial ceremony was also held at Yairipok Bamol Leikai Community Hall, organised by Arambai Tenggol Unit-2, Yairipok.

Members of local clubs, Meira Paibi Lups, AT members and the public paid homage to the martyrs by offering floral tributes and observing a two-minute silence.

Speakers.

including Apunba Nupi Khunnai Lamjing Meira Lup president Ima Asem Ibotombi, NSAL president Ananda Laishram, Yairipok Apunba Meira Paibi Lup secretary Matouleibi Maibam, Laimanai Youth Club Yairipok, president P Araba Meitei and Bamol Leikai Youth Club president Mutum Jiten, acknowledged the role and contributions of Arambai Tenggol in safeguarding the lives of the people and territorial integrity of Manipur since the outbreak of the Manipur conflict.

At Khongjom Kheba Chingkhong, the Thoubal and Kakching District Apunba Lup (TAKDAL) organised a commemorative event featuring floral tributes, a Thang-Ta demonstration and a public deliberation on ending the violence.

Held under the theme "Hingmin Nashi Eikhoi, Pullasi Eikhoi," the programme witnessed participation from people across Thoubal and Kakching districts.

Observances were also held at Khangabok by Arambai Tenggol Unit-4 and at Heirok by Arambai Tenggol Unit-5 in collaboration with local youth bodies.

Participants offered floral tributes and observed a two-minute silence in honour of the martyrs.

At Heirok, 100 newly inducted members of Arambai Tenggol Unit-5 took oath, administered by Unit commander Khundongbam Oma Meitei.

The gathering also visited the memorial site of late martyr Ronaldo at Kabo Leikai, and paid homage.

KAKCHING

In Kakching district, Arambai Tenggol Unit-40, Pallel, organised a memorial ceremony at Pallel Maning Leikai Community Hall.

The programme began with the State song "Sana Leibak Manipur," followed by floral tributes and a two-minute silence in memory of the martyrs.

Speaking on the occasion, UCP convenor Moirangthem Jeeban stated that the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023 cannot yet be considered over and urged the public to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, Meitei Leepun, in association with the Social Development Organisation, Youth Volunteer Organisation and Youth Volunteer Association, also observed the day as "Meitei Meekap Thokpa Numit" by lighting candles, offering floral tributes and observing a two-minute silence.

BISHNUPUR

In Bishnupur district, Thangjing Pana, Moirang sub-division, Village Volunteer Force and Manipur Chanura Lamjing Lup (MACHALL), jointly organised a memorial programme titled "Yelhoumi Sing Mikap Thokpa Numit" at Ibudhou Thangjing Laikol, Moirang Ngangkhalawai.

The programme was attended by State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Moirang AC MLA Thongam Shanti, Oinam AC MLA Irengbam Nalini, Thangjing Pana VVF president L Gopal and convenor Yumnam Tomba, among others.

Floral tributes were offered and prayers were held in honour of the martyrs.

The Churachandpur Meitei United Committee (CMUC) also observed the day at Kiyamba Ningshing Shanglen, Bishnupur.

Attended by leaders including CMUC convenor M Baleshwor, Meitei Society Churachandpur secretary N Ramesh, Meitei Youth Orgn president Hemam Jogindro, Ema Leimarel Churachandpur president A Noyoni, Nupi Samaj Churachandpur president G Landhoni and Churachandpur Meitei Ethnic Clash Victim Committee president N Abung, the gathering paid tribute to victims, including women and children, who lost their lives in the violence.

Speaking on the occasion, CMUC convenor Naba Ningthoujam criticised the government for its failure to rehabilitate internally displaced persons (IDPs), stating that many remain unable to return to their homes despite assurances.

At Ningthoukhong Keithel, the Ningthoukhong Protection Committee, in association with Ching Tam Liching Lup, observed the day as the "3rd National Resistance and Awakening Day, 2026".Floral tributes were offered and a two-minute silence was observed.

Resource persons including Asang Kasar, Khuraijam Athouba and Th Sujata shared their views on the ongoing situation and called for collective efforts to restore peace.

JIRIBAM

In Jiribam district, Arambai Tenggol Unit-41 organised a memorial programme at Ibudhou Pakhangba Shanglen, Maheikhulen.

The gathering offered prayers and floral tributes to the martyrs and observed a two-minute silence in their memory.

Women from relief camps and Meira Paibi groups also took part in the observance.

TRIPURA

Outside the State, the day was observed in Tripura as "Remembrance Day" by various organisations.

At Dhaleswar, Nalgoria and Radhanagar, people lit candles and paid homage to the martyrs by offering floral tributes.

Speakers, including Khoisnam Birola, H Bankim and Amrita Sharma, addressed the gatherings and highlighted the significance of r'emembering the victims.

Across Manipur and beyond, the observances reflected collective grief and remembrance, while also underscoring continued calls for justice, peace and restoration of normalcy in the State.