The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has announced the observance of the 46th Realization Month from March 17 to April 17, under the theme “Realize to Save the Indigenous Peoples of Manipur.”
AMSU leaders recalled that after Manipur’s merger with India in 1949, concerns over the rising influx of outsiders into the state began to grow among the indigenous people. According to the union, the opening of entry into Manipur during the administration of Chief Commissioner Himat Singh on November 18, 1950, led to a gradual increase in migration into the state.
AMSU stated that demographic changes reflected in population growth during the census years of 1951, 1961, and 1971 raised apprehensions among the indigenous communities. In response to these concerns, the student body launched the historic “Go Back Foreigners” movement in 1980 to safeguard the identity and rights of the native people of Manipur.
During the movement, two student activists Potsangbam Lukhoi and Huidrom Loken lost their lives, while many others sustained injuries.
In remembrance of the sacrifices and to awaken public awareness, AMSU began observing April 17 every year as Realization Day, urging the people to remain vigilant about issues affecting the indigenous population.
As part of the campaign, the union will organize the 46th Realization Month, featuring various awareness programs including seminars, discussions, poster campaigns, academic campaigns, street-corner meetings, and public meetings. Competitions such as debate, essay writing, symposium, and painting will also be held to encourage student participation.
Other activities scheduled during the month include mass rallies, blood donation camps, publicity drives, and leaflet distribution across the state.
The inaugural function will be held at Manipur University on March 17 at 11:00 am, while the closing program on April 17 will begin with Yaikairol at 2:00 am, followed by a floral tribute at Pishum Chinga Macha at 9:00 am, a mass rally, and a public meeting at Imphal College.
AMSU further stated that the observation aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by indigenous communities due to illegal immigration and to call for measures to safeguard their rights and identities.
The union also urged that the upcoming national census (2026–2027) be conducted only after updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to ensure proper identification of citizens.
