The 10th death anniversary of Sapam Robinhood, a student martyred during the 2015 Inner Line Permit (ILP) protest, was solemnly observed today at Yelhoumeeshingi Ningshing Khubam, Awa Ching. The ceremony saw participation from student bodies, civil society organisations, and the bereaved family of the late activist.
Robinhood, who became the face of the ILP movement after his tragic death at the age of 16, is remembered annually for his sacrifice in the fight to protect the indigenous identity of the people of Manipur.
🕯️ Tributes and Key Demands
At the commemoration, representatives from various organisations paid floral tributes and shared emotional recollections of Robinhood’s role in the movement. The event served as a platform to reignite the core demands of the ILP movement and highlight ongoing concerns over demographic shifts and identity erosion.
| Key Demands Reiterated at the Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Immediate implementation of NRC | Call for a state-specific National Register of Citizens to identify and remove undocumented migrants. |
| Regulation of Aadhaar issuance | Warning against unchecked Aadhaar enrollment, which could legitimize non-indigenous residents. |
| Strengthening ILP framework | Reinforcing the need for robust enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur. |
📢 JCILPS Calls for Vigilance and Policy Reform
The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), which spearheaded the original ILP movement, emphasized that Robinhood’s sacrifice must not be forgotten. In a statement, the JCILPS said:
“The spirit of Robinhood must live on through collective action. The demographic integrity of Manipur is under threat, and without firm policies, our indigenous future stands at risk.”
The committee further urged the government to ensure that all administrative processes involving identity verification, including Aadhaar, are transparent, secure, and foolproof.
⚖️ Background: The ILP and Robinhood’s Legacy
The ILP movement in Manipur intensified in 2015, demanding protection for native populations through a permit system regulating entry and settlement of outsiders. Sapam Robinhood, then a Class XI student, was killed during a police crackdown on protesting students. His death sparked statewide outrage and ultimately contributed to the partial adoption of the ILP system in the state in 2019.
🛡️ Looking Ahead
Today’s memorial was not just a moment of reflection, but a call to action. As indigenous communities continue to express anxiety over migration, unchecked identity documentation, and changing demographics, the legacy of Sapam Robinhood remains a powerful symbol in Manipur’s socio-political discourse.
Organisers have vowed to continue peaceful advocacy, mobilise youth, and pressure the state and central governments for a sustainable and inclusive policy framework that safeguards Manipur’s unique cultural and demographic fabric.