The Coalition for Indigenous Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur, has issued a strong condemnation regarding the alleged mob assault on Mayengbam Somorjit Luwang, the former president of the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM). The incident, which occurred at the iconic Ema Keithel market, has drawn sharp criticism from the organization, which described the act as “highly deplorable and unacceptable in civilised society.”
Luwang, who had recently participated in a rally organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on April 25, 2026, was reportedly attacked by a mob at the market. According to reports, two women intervened in an attempt to protect him during the altercation. CIRCA emphasized that such violence targeting an individual dedicated to public causes is particularly troubling given the ongoing ethnic crisis that has strained Manipur’s social fabric since May 3, 2023.
In an official statement, CIRCA described the assault as a symptom of a “deeper moral degradation” within the state, noting that the incident reflects an erosion of rational thought and a rise in mutual mistrust among the public. The organization also highlighted the personal tragedy surrounding Luwang, revealing that he had previously lost his elder brother during the ongoing conflict. Expressing solidarity with Luwang, CIRCA reiterated its firm commitment to safeguarding indigenous rights, dignity, and personal safety.
The organization has issued a direct appeal to those involved in the incident, urging them to “come forward and offer a public apology.” CIRCA has called upon community elders and civil society leaders to intervene immediately with a reformative approach, rather than allowing such incidents to further divide the community.
As tensions remain high across the state, CIRCA emphasized the need for collective resilience. The organization urged the public to prioritize education and economic activity over disruptive actions, cautioning that violence against activists only undermines the broader efforts of Indigenous communities to address the complex challenges facing Manipur. Leishangthem Lamyanba Meitei, Secretary General of CIRCA, signed the statement, reinforcing the group’s stance on maintaining peace and institutional integrity during these volatile times.
