Bike rally against ‘Narco-Terrorism’ draws hundreds across Manipur

Hundreds of youths and women joined a massive bike rally across Manipur today, intensifying public mobilisation against what organisers described as the growing threat of “narco-terrorism” and militant violence in the state.
The rally, organised by the Students’ Front of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) under the theme “Save Manipur from Narco Terrorism,” began from the Koujeng Leima Temple complex at Sekmai and culminated at Khuman Lampak in Imphal after passing through several major localities across the valley districts.
The rally was flagged off by Yengkokpam Dhiren, Convenor of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) along with senior leaders of the organisation.
Addressing participants, Dhiren said the rally was organised to safeguard the indigenous people of Manipur from what he termed the growing menace of narco-terrorism and militant activities allegedly operating in the state. He said the movement was intended to unite the public against organised violence, illegal armed activities and the expanding drug network threatening the social fabric of Manipur.
The procession moved through Luwangsangbam, Chingmeirong, Thangmeiband, Khoyathong, Nagamapal, Keishampat, Bishnupur, Moirang, Kakching, Thoubal, Singjamei and Wangkhei, drawing participation from student bodies, women’s groups and civil society volunteers.
The rally came amid heightened tension following a public gathering near Makhan Naga Village Gate at Kanglatongbi in Imphal West district, where several civil society organisations protested alleged militant attacks and the reported abduction of civilians earlier this month.
Community leaders claimed that 20 civilians were abducted in separate incidents from Leilon Veiphei and Sapormeina between May 13 and May 15. While 14 were reportedly released later, six persons are still said to remain in captivity.
Civil society organisations accused the government of failing to prevent the incidents and issued a three-day ultimatum demanding the safe rescue of the remaining hostages. They also demanded stringent legal action against those involved in the alleged abductions and called for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki National Front (Presidential).
The organisations further sought intensified security operations in the affected areas and demanded the removal of BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen from her government position over alleged links to a militant through family ties.
The COCOMI asserted that the indigenous communities of Manipur would remain united against what they described as repeated attacks, territorial aggression and narco-linked militant activities threatening the state’s social and political fabric.