Thousands join COCOMI’s statewide rally; Memorandum posing seven questions submitted

Thousands of people from across the Imphal valley on Saturday took part in a statewide rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), with large processions converging towards the Kangla Fort Western Gate amid tight security and multiple confrontations with security forces.
Participants carrying COCOMI banners and raising slogans such as “Leingakta Meeyamgi Wahang Khongchat” (mass rally questioning the government) marched from different directions beginning around 1 pm. However, security forces intercepted several groups at key entry points across the city.
A large procession advancing from Kwakthel towards Keishampat was stopped by security personnel, while at Uripok, a massive crowd merged with another group led by COCOMI leaders from Lamphel. At Singjamei, thousands attempting to march towards the Chief Minister’s Secretariat were halted at the Singjamei parking area. Similarly, demonstrators coming from Khundrakpam and Lamlai were stopped at Khurai Lamlong.
Tensions escalated at Khurai when security forces fired tear gas shells after sections of the crowd reportedly turned agitated. At least 22 people sustained injuries and were admitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences.
Despite restrictions, rallyists managed to converge in large numbers near Kangla, where COCOMI leaders addressed the gathering. During the course of the rally, Sub-Divisional Police Officer N. Ingocha Singh, MPS, accompanied by COCOMI representatives, proceeded to the Chief Minister’s Office to submit a memorandum to the state government.
In the memorandum, COCOMI raised seven pointed questions, seeking clear responses and timelines from both the state and the Government of India over the ongoing crisis in Manipur. The questions focused on whether the state would press the Centre to halt what the committee described as a “proxy war,” take decisive action against alleged narco-terrorism, and ensure justice in recent incidents, including the killing of a child at Tronglaobi and the ambush near TM Kasom.
The organisation also demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged firing by Central Reserve Police Force personnel that reportedly left three civilians dead, and sought clarity on steps being taken to resettle internally displaced persons currently living in relief camps.
Further, the memorandum questioned whether the government would move to abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with armed groups and update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and deport illegal immigrants.
Stating that the situation in Manipur continues to deteriorate, COCOMI alleged that the lack of timely administrative and corrective measures has deepened public anxiety. It maintained that the questions raised reflect the grievances and suffering of affected communities and warned of growing apprehension over the government’s ability to act decisively.
The rally follows COCOMI’s announcement of what it termed the “final round of calibrated agitation.” Speaking earlier, spokesperson Nahakpam Shanta said the protest was triggered by recent incidents of violence and the absence of tangible progress on previous assurances.
He added that the agitation has drawn participation from local clubs, civil society organisations and community groups, and would continue until concrete action is taken. Since the April 7 incident at Tronglaobi, multiple forms of protest have been carried out across the state during both day and night, reflecting the intensifying public unrest.