Manipur's violence-hit people hold demonstration near Raj Bhavan, seeking to return home — UPSC Current Affairs | November 30, 2025
Manipur's violence-hit people hold demonstration near Raj Bhavan, seeking to return home
Displaced people from Manipur staged a protest on November 30, 2025, demanding to return to their homes and boycotting the Sangai tourism festival, highlighting the ongoing ethnic tensions since May 2023. This event underscores issues related to internal displacement, governance, and social justice, relevant for UPSC GS papers.
Overview On November 30, 2025 , hundreds of displaced people staged a protest near the Raj Bhavan in Manipur, demanding to be allowed to return to their homes. These individuals, displaced since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023 , hail from the districts of Churachandpur , Kangpokpi , Imphal West , and Imphal East . The protest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their frustration with the government's response. Key Developments Protest Details Location: Near Raj Bhavan, Imphal, Manipur Date: November 30, 2025 Demands: Return to homes, boycott of the Sangai tourism festival Slogans: "Displaced lives matter", "people boycott Sangai festival", "rights first tourism later", "ensure our fundamental rights" Response from Authorities Security forces stopped the protesters near Kangla Gate , approximately 200 metres from the Raj Bhavan. The demonstrators were prevented from advancing further and later marched towards the Uripok area in Imphal West district . Statements from Displaced Persons Irom Abung Meitei , a displaced person from Churachandpur district , expressed frustration towards the government for holding the Sangai festival while ignoring the plight of displaced persons. He indicated that protests would intensify in the coming days, with protesters refusing to return to relief camps. Context of Ethnic Violence The ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis has resulted in more than 260 deaths and thousands rendered homeless since May 2023 . Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have clashed with security forces multiple times since the Sangai Festival began on November 21 , seeking to return to their homes. UPSC Relevance This event is relevant to several aspects of the UPSC syllabus, including GS1 (Social Issues) , GS2 (Governance, Social Justice) , and GS3 (Disaster Management, Economy) . It highlights the complexities of ethnic conflict, internal displacement, and governance challenges in the context of development and tourism. Potential UPSC Questions Analyze the causes and consequences of ethnic violence in Manipur. Evaluate the effectiveness of government policies in addressing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Discuss the ethical considerations of promoting tourism in conflict-affected regions. Key Facts for Prelims Date of the protest: November 30, 2025 Districts of origin of displaced people: Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Imphal West, and Imphal East Event boycotted: Sangai tourism festival Start date of ethnic violence: May 2023 Location where protesters were stopped: Kangla Gate Approximate distance from Kangla Gate to Raj Bhavan: 200 metres Number of deaths due to ethnic violence: More than 260