The cumulative population of ‘Manipuri’ in Assam is now estimated to be around 5 lakh, spread across 325 villages in the state, and considered one of the oldest and most culturally rich communities of Assam. The Manipuris in Assam have urged Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for the creation of the Manipuri Autonomous Council (MAC) for inclusive development and growth of the people and the area.
Over 200 people from Barak Valley districts—Cachar, Hailakandi & Sribhumi—gathered in Silchar and held a demonstration demanding the creation of the Manipuri Autonomous Council in Assam today and submitted a formal appeal to the Assam CM, which was handed over to the District Commissioner of Cachar. The memorandum highlighted the historical, socio-cultural, linguistic, and political importance of the Manipuri population in the state.
The petitioners highlight their centuries-old presence, with historical ties to the Ahom Kingdom, particularly through the marriage alliance between Princess Kuranganayani of Manipur and Swargadeo Rajeshwar Singha of the Ahom Dynasty in 1768.
“We appeal to Assam; we need an autonomous council. We have a population more than the Dimasas. In 2021, we were assured by Minister Kaushik Rai that he would help us get the autonomous council. We are Manipuris from Assam, not from Manipur; as such, we are asking for the autonomous council,” said a protesting member.
The community cites multiple periods of migration, including a significant wave during the Burmese invasions of the early 19th century, when Manipuri royals and civilians sought refuge in Cachar. Over the years, the Manipuri population has played a pivotal role in the cultural and political landscape of Assam, especially in the Barak Valley.
During the rule of King Chitsai, some Meitei people had to move to Cachar because of political exile. King Chitsai and his followers were forced to live in Cachar from 1752, after the assassination of King Pamheiba, also known as Garibnawaz.
