The Federation of Haomee organised a statewide demonstration in Manipur on October 23, 2026, reviving the traditional Lanpung Yeiba method of public protest to demand justice for civilian killings, the return of displaced families and a resolution to the ethnic crisis, as Manipur Police reported weapons recoveries, arrests and strengthened security measures across the state.
Key Takeaways
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The Federation of Haomee organised a statewide protest on October 23, reviving the traditional Lanpung Yeiba method to demand justice, peace and action on the ethnic crisis.
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Protesters demanded the return of displaced families, NRC updation, action against those responsible for killings and the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement.
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Manipur Police reported weapons recoveries, arrests in extortion and mob violence cases, and 110 checkpoints across the state amid strengthened security arrangements.
Residents across Manipur banged utensils, struck electric poles with hammers and honked vehicle horns on October 23 to draw the government’s attention to the continuing ethnic crisis. The Federation of Haomee organised the statewide protest under the message of awakening a government that protesters accuse of failing to address their grievances.
Imphal, Manipur: A large number of people staged a statewide protest, marching towards Kangla and entering through its Western Gate despite security forces using tear gas and mock bombs. Organized by the Federation of Haomee, protesters demanded NRC updation, the return of displaced families, action against those responsible for killings, abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement, and rejection of separate administration.
— IANS (@ians_india) October 23, 2026
Demonstrators also marched towards Kangla and entered the historic complex through its western gate despite security forces using tear gas and mock bombs. Meanwhile, Manipur Police reported that the overall law-and-order situation remained under control over the preceding 24 hours.
Manipur Protesters Revive Traditional Lanpung Yeiba
The demonstration revived Lanpung Yeiba, a traditional form of public dissent rooted in the historic practice of Kangla Senbung Yeiba. According to an X user, the term combines three words: Lan, meaning war; Pung, meaning drum; and Yeiba, meaning hitting or banging.
In earlier times, communities used drums to alert people to possible threats of war and prepare them for conflict. Protesters drew on this tradition to highlight civilian killings and the government’s failure to resolve the ethnic crisis.
Manipur, India.
“Lanpung Yeiba” (specifically rooted in the historic tradition of Kangla Senbung Yeiba) represents a powerful, unique mode of public dissent in ManipurUnique Protest #LanpungYeiba ( Lan =War, Pung =Drum, Yeiba = Hitting \ Banging) A traditional ways in early days a drum was used to bang to alert the people of a possible threat of war or to prepare for war)
Protesting against the killing of civilians. Protesters came out on the streets in different localities to bang utensils, electric posts with hammers while honking vehicular horns from 7.30 pm to 8 pm to protest against failure of the government to resolve the ethnic crisis in the state.
#ManipurProtest #LanbungYeiba— huidrom athouba (@HuidromAthouba) October 23, 2026
Between 7.30 pm and 8 pm, residents in different localities banged utensils, struck electric poles with hammers and honked vehicle horns.
Protesters Demand Justice and Return of Displaced Families
The Federation of Haomee led the statewide demonstration with several demands. Protesters called for an update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the return of displaced families and action against those responsible for killings.
They also demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and rejected a separate administrative arrangement.
The demonstration reflected public frustration over displacement, civilian deaths and the continuing uncertainty surrounding the ethnic crisis.
Police Recover Weapons, Arrest Suspects
In its October 23 statement, Manipur Police said the overall law-and-order situation remained under control during the previous 24 hours.
During search operations in Phailengkot in Imphal East district, security forces recovered several weapons, ammunition, magazines and a suspected improvised explosive device (IED).
In Churachandpur, police arrested 32-year-old Kamjau Vaiphei in connection with multiple extortion cases. Officers recovered a looted 9mm pistol from his possession.
Manipur Police reported that the overall law-and-order situation remained under control over the past 24 hours. Security forces recovered several weapons, ammunition, magazines and a suspected IED during search operations in Phailengkot, Imphal East district. In Churachandpur, police arrested a 32-year-old man, Kamjau Vaiphei, in connection with multiple extortion cases and recovered a looted 9mm pistol from his possession. Based on information obtained during questioning, a joint team of Churachandpur Police and the CRPF recovered an AK-47 rifle, an SLR rifle and ammunition from a forest area near Teijang village. Meanwhile, Thoubal Police arrested a third accused in connection with mob violence in the Khangabok–Sangaiyumpham area and recovered a double-barrel gun and 14 shotgun shells following his disclosure. Security arrangements have been strengthened across the state, with escorted movement of essential goods vehicles along National Highways 37 and 2 and 110 checkpoints established across the hill and valley districts: Manipur Police
— IANS (@ians_india) October 23, 2026
Information obtained during questioning led a joint team of Churachandpur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to recover an AK-47 rifle, a self-loading rifle (SLR) and ammunition from a forest area near Teijang village.
Meanwhile, Thoubal Police arrested a third accused in connection with mob violence in the Khangabok–Sangaiyumpham area. Following his disclosure, police recovered a double-barrel gun and 14 shotgun shells.
Security Tightened Across Manipur
Manipur Police said authorities had strengthened security arrangements across the state. Security forces escorted essential goods vehicles along National Highways 37 and 2 to maintain supplies and facilitate movement.
Police also established 110 checkpoints across the hill and valley districts.
The police statement outlined ongoing security operations alongside the statewide protests. Demonstrators continued to press for accountability, the return of displaced families and a lasting resolution to the ethnic crisis.
The protests highlighted demands for recognition and justice, while the police statement focused on maintaining public order, recovering weapons and preventing further violence.
