An ocean of people flooded the streets of Imphal as the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) led the ‘Save Manipur Rally’, reflecting widespread public concern over the ongoing crisis in the state. The massive rally began from Kwakeithal Tiddim Ground in Imphal West and passed through Tiddim Road, Keishampat Junction, Waheng Leikai and Nagamapal before culminating at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband, where a public meeting was held.
During the public meeting, several resolutions were adopted, calling for immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed groups. The resolutions also urged the Government of India to refrain from portraying the ongoing situation as a communal conflict and instead assure full constitutional and fundamental rights to the people of Manipur. Demands were raised for a clear policy framework to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons to their respective villages and towns, with adequate security arrangements.
The resolutions further called upon the Government of India to curb cross-border terror activities allegedly linked to Chin Kuki narco-terror networks by dismantling their infrastructure and supply chains. The reopening of national highways connecting Manipur with the mainland was also demanded, along with the updating of the National Register of Citizens or similar legal measures to address illegal immigration. Protection of Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity, safeguarding of constitutional rights and the installation of a transparent and accountable government at the earliest were among the core demands.
Organisers stated that the rally was held to project the collective voice of the people and appealed to all sections of society, including civil society organisations, student bodies and community groups, to participate in large numbers.
Protesters carried placards and raised slogans demanding resettlement of internally displaced persons, protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and an immediate halt to what they described as external interference aggravating the conflict. Slogans such as “Stop proxy war,” “Do not disintegrate Manipur,” and “Long live Manipur” reverberated along the rally route. Participants also urged the Government of India to take decisive measures to restore security and normalcy, while reiterating calls to safeguard the unity and sovereignty of the state.
Speaking at the public meeting, YK Dhiren, Coordinator of COCOMI, stated that the Government of India should not attempt to divide Manipur, undermine its territorial integrity or engage in proxy conflicts by supporting narco-terrorist elements. He expressed deep concern over the prevailing situation, noting that free movement remains severely restricted and that thousands of internally displaced persons are still unable to return to their homes. Such conditions, he said, amount to serious violations of human rights and must be brought to an end without delay. Dhiren was addressing the gathering during the Manipur Kanba Khongchat organised by COCOMI.
Lourembam Nganbi, President of the All Manipur Kanba Ima Lup, said the overwhelming public response to the rally reflected the extent to which people in Manipur have been deprived of their fundamental rights. She stated that the Manipur Kanba Khongchat was organised to reclaim those rights and to collectively register dissent against misgovernance and continued exploitation. Describing the rally as constitutional and democratic in nature, she said the people had come out peacefully to make their voices heard.
Earlier, COCOMI Convenor YK Dhiren said the rally was being organised to convey the collective voice of the people on issues concerning the integrity and future of Manipur. Placards bearing messages such as “No Compromise on Manipur Integrity” were prominently displayed throughout the procession.
Addressing the press on the sidelines of the protest, former COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba said that the scale of participation in the rally reflected growing public frustration.
“People of Manipur are standing firm together to send a clear message, either change this proxy war policy or allow Manipur to decide its own aspirations and future,” Athouba said.
Athouba alleged that the situation was being projected as an ethnic conflict without adequate acknowledgment of the Centre’s role.
He further claimed that the crisis is the outcome of what he described as the Government of India’s prolonged “proxy war policy” in Manipur, carried out through armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations framework.
There were certain false propaganda and justifications that this crisis is merely an ethnic conflict between two communities and that it has nothing to do with the Government of India,” Athouba said.
He further stated that one year of President’s Rule had failed to restore normalcy in the state.
Alleging serious human rights violations, Athouba said the people of Manipur had endured continued instability for over two-and-a-half years.
“We have waited and tolerated enough. The gross human rights violations in the state have kept the entire population of Manipur in a hostage-like situation for over two-and-a-half years,” he said.
He also accused the Centre of failing to adequately address the issue in Parliament and in the Presidential address, and alleged inaction against armed groups operating in the hill areas.
“The Government of India has even failed to acknowledge the crisis in Parliament. Its policy of empowering narco-terrorist armed groups operating in the hill areas has never been stopped, nor have any effective measures been taken,” he claimed.
Those sharing the dais in today’s meeting include, YK Dhren Convenor COCOMI. Khuraijam Athouba, former Covenor COCOMI, Professor N. Joykumar, Vice Chancellor, Khongnangthaba University, Michael Lamjathang, Secretary, Thadou Inpi Manipur, Yumnam Premananda, HOD Law Dept. Raes Ahmad Tampak, General Secretary, United Meitei Pangal Committee, L Lanboi Kabui, Vice President, Kabui Union among others.
During today’s rally all business sectors, shops, private offices school and colleges remain shuts.