Civil Society and the Youth Constantly Fighting Suppression in Manipur

Imphal: NewsClick met with activist Erendro Leichombam and journalist Grace Jajo to discuss the security environment in the state. Most recently, Erendro made multiple trips to jail for as little as a Facebook post, under serious charges including under the National Security Act for “sedition”. Grace was summarily blocked from covering sessions, despite holding valid press credentials, in 2021, by the N Biren Singh-led BJP government. But these are not isolated cases. Our two guests outline the scenario in the state from the perspective of journalists, activists and other members of civil society, including students, who no longer have the space to agitate or voice dissent. The duo also talk about the key to progress in the state -- the much neglected, but crucial, education sector.