On January 12, 2025, Nongdam Meira Paibi Lup organized a peaceful sit-in protest at the Nongdam community hall in Lamlai assembly constituency, Manipur. The protestors demanded the unconditional release of six village volunteers who had been arrested by security forces on December 14, 2024. According to the protestors, these volunteers had played a crucial role in safeguarding their communities amid the unrest that followed the violent outbreaks in May 2023.
The protests are part of a larger statewide movement condemning government actions against village volunteers. These volunteers are accused of failing to protect citizens effectively, but the demonstrators argue that the government’s lack of intervention left the responsibility of community safety on the shoulders of these individuals. As the movement grows, it reflects the deep-rooted frustrations of communities who feel abandoned in their time of need.