A Sanjoy calls for MCOCA-like law in Manipur amid rising organised crime concerns
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, April 17 2026: Social worker Ahanthem Sanjoy has urged the Government of Manipur to enact a stringent law on the lines of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, to tackle the growing incidents of organised crime in the State following the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023 .

Sanjoy made the appeal while visiting the residences of victims of recent violence, including the families of two children - a five-month-old girl, O Yaisana, and a five-year-old boy, O Tomthin - who were killed in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi on April 7 .

A Sanjoy calls for MCOCA-like law in Manipur amid rising organised crime concerns

He also visited the homes of late Wahengbam Boby, Huidrom Henary, and Laishram Jiten, who lost their lives due to alleged indiscriminate firing by Central forces during protests against the killing of the children, as well as the residence of injured H Hemanta.

During the visit, Sanjoy, along with his team, extended assistance to the bereaved families by providing essential commodities such as rice, potatoes and edible oil, along with monetary aid.

Addressing the media, Sanjoy expressed concern over the rise in various forms of crime in the State, including alleged narco-terror activities, extortion, and violence targeting civilians, particularly women and children.

He stated that the pattern of incidents since May 2023 suggests elements of organised crime aimed at destabilising society.

Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra, Sanjoy noted that the western state had faced a similar surge in organised crime, extortion and terror-related activities in the late 1990s, which created widespread fear among the public.

In response, the Maharashtra Government enacted the MCOCA in 1999 by exercising powers under Article 246 of the Constitution and entries in the State List, enabling stronger legal mechanisms, including the establishment of special courts, to combat organised criminal networks.

He asserted that Manipur is witnessing a comparable situation today and requires a similar legal framework to effectively address killings, extortion, narco-terrorism and other unlawful activities.

Referring to incidents such as the killings in Jiribam, Linthoingambi and Hemanjit, as well as the recent Tronglaobi bomb attack, Sanjoy described them as inhumane acts that highlight the deteriorating law and order situation.

He further remarked that, unlike incidents of Pahalgam attack, where civilians, especially women and children, are not directly targeted, recent violence in Manipur has seen even the most vulnerable sections felling victim, creating a pervasive sense of insecurity.

Stating that the risk to life persists across the State, Sanjoy emphasised that the Government must utilise the constitutional powers available to it and introduce a special law similar to MCOCA to curb organised crime and restore normalcy.

The visit was also accompanied by several people from Kumbi constituency, who expressed solidarity with the affected families and supported the call for stronger legal measures.