Pursuant to an invitation from the Director of the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department, Government of Manipur, a meeting was held on March 26, 2026, at 1 pm with the Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM). The Director, Rangnamei Rang Peter, met with a seven-member delegation led by TYCM President Momo Tantanga to discuss the establishment of the Tribal Girls’ Hostel at Old Lambulane, Imphal. During the meeting, the Director addressed several challenges hindering the operationalization of the hostel. After an in-depth discussion, he assured the delegation that the hostel would be operational by June 2026, in time for the academic session of 2026-27.
Following this assurance, the TYCM has decided to temporarily suspend its planned agitation; however, the council has made it clear that should the government fail to fulfill this promise, it will escalate its protest efforts. The TYCM has a history of advocating for the hostel, having submitted formal appeals to the department on October 28 and to the Additional Chief Secretary on December 19, 2025. These appeals aimed to address the accommodation issues faced by tribal girl students, many of whom are currently residing in rented accommodations in Imphal.
Furthermore, the TYCM had previously announced its intent to intensify democratic agitation on March 24 due to the government’s inaction following an ultimatum issued on January 28, 2025, regarding the hostel’s establishment. On March 24, the Government of Manipur extended the invitation for the meeting that was held on March 26. That same day, the TYCM’s Central Executive Council convened to discuss the government’s invitation, leading to a decision to postpone the planned agitation until after the meeting. They also presented a memorandum on March 24 to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, which included a 12-point charter of demands.
