More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
The imposition of the President’s rule came after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
The student bodies also called for “hoisting black flags at the respective residences of all”.
These organisations also said a “mass prayer would be observed at Martyrs’ cemetery and a public gathering at the wall of remembrance in Churachandpur district headquarters”, and asked the public to attend the programme.
Earlier, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) said May 3 would be observed as a “Separation Day”.
In a statement, the ITLF said, “There will be a day of reflection and remembrance for the victims of the ethnic conflict that has deeply impacted the Kuki-Zo communities”.
There will be a series of programmes, including prayers and exhortations for the victims and their families, a keynote address, organisational reports, and speeches by various tribal leaders, it said in a statement.
Imphal valley-based COCOMI, a Meitei organisation, had on Tuesday appealed to the people to halt all activities on May 3 and attend a public convention being organised on the day at Khuman Lampak stadium to discuss the future of the state.
Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) also announced that May 3 this year would be observed as a “solemn day of remembrance and solidarity under the theme Bridging Divides for Shared Future”. PTI CORR BDC