COCOMI Students’ Front condemns disruption at people’s rally in Imphal

Convenor of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) Students’ Front, Malangba Meitei, today condemned the alleged disruption of a people’s rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity on April 25 at Khwairamband Ima Keithel.
Speaking to media persons at the COCOMI office in Lamphelpat, he stated that the rally, held under the theme of raising questions to the government, witnessed participation from people across various sections of society and civil organisations. However, he alleged that a group of individuals attempted to create disturbances by mobilising a crowd at the market and confronting COCOMI volunteers, with the intention of discrediting the programme.
He stated that the Students’ Front viewed the incident seriously and described it as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the organisation. He warned that failure to address such actions could undermine unity within the Manipuri community, and called for identification of those involved. He also appealed to the public to remain vigilant against elements he described as acting against collective interests.
Referring to Khwairamband Ima Keithel, the convenor described the market as a historic and symbolic institution central to Manipur’s socio-economic life. He noted that the women vendors, known as “Ima,” have long sustained families and communities through resilience and sacrifice. He alleged that attempts to incite unrest at such a location marked a concerning development, and cautioned that if left unchecked, such actions could affect social harmony. He urged the vendors to remain alert and prevent such incidents.
On the April 25 rally, Malangba Meitei stated that it was aimed at providing a platform for the public and civil society groups to raise questions regarding the ongoing situation in Manipur. He added that participants from different sections had raised concerns and submitted memoranda, with government representatives also present. He denied allegations of any understanding or collusion between COCOMI and the Manipur Government.
The convenor further alleged that certain vested interests had attempted to spread misinformation, including claims that the organisation had compromised its position or received financial benefits. He maintained that such narratives were intended to undermine the credibility of COCOMI and weaken public unity.
Reiterating the organisation’s stand, he called for vigilance against what he termed divisive elements and urged the public to remain united in safeguarding the collective interests of the state.