The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has appealed to the people of Manipur to extend their full support to the proposed mass rally scheduled for October 31, to be jointly organised by various indigenous civil society organisations (CSOs) to demand an end to what they describe as a “proxy war” being waged in the state.
At a press meet held today, YK Dhiren, Convenor COCOMI urged the people to participate in the rally, stating that the prevailing situation demands a united public response to the continuing security crisis and the alleged failure to ensure accountability for violations of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
The proposed rally is being organised jointly by COCOMI, the Joint Tribe Council Manipur, the Foothill Naga Co-ordination Committee, the Naga Peoples’ Union, Imphal, the Inpui Naga Union and the Naga Humanitarian Aids Committee, Manipur.
The rally was announced against the backdrop of growing concerns over the implementation of the SoO agreement with Kuki armed groups and the recent incident at Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district. COCOMI and other organisations have questioned whether the ground rules governing the agreement are being effectively enforced and whether violations are being dealt with firmly by the authorities.
The Sinai Camp episode has intensified demands for greater scrutiny of designated camps and the activities of armed groups operating under the SoO arrangement. Concerns have also been raised over the accountability of the agencies responsible for monitoring compliance with the agreement and ensuring that its provisions are not violated.
COCOMI has consistently maintained that the continuation of the SoO arrangement without effective enforcement of its ground rules could undermine public confidence in the government’s approach to restoring peace in Manipur. The organisation has called for decisive action against violations and greater transparency in dealing with armed groups operating under the agreement.
The participating organisations are seeking to bring together indigenous communities and civil society groups through the October 31 rally, with the stated objective of raising a collective voice against the prevailing security situation and demanding an end to the alleged proxy conflict.
The appeal comes at a time when questions surrounding the SoO agreement, the role of armed groups and the government’s response to security-related incidents continue to remain central to public debate in Manipur.
COCOMI has called upon the people to stand together and make the rally a strong expression of public concern, emphasising that the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity, the safety of its people and accountability in the handling of the ongoing crisis require a firm and united response.