The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) today asserted that the tribute paid by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and his NDA allies to the martyrs of the Khongjom War would not be accepted by the martyred ancestors.
The statement was made by W. Luwangleima, Convenor of the COCOMI Women Wing, while speaking to reporters at the Khongjom War Memorial after the Chief Minister and his team defied a boycott call issued by the organisation and attended the observance.
Luwangleima said that although the Chief Minister and his allies may attempt to counter the people’s boycott through force, their tribute would not be accepted by those who laid down their lives for the freedom of Manipur. She stated that the people’s movement cannot be suppressed through force and cautioned that the government may face intensified public response due to its inaction on the demands raised by the people.
She further announced that an intensified agitation would be launched on April 25 over the alleged failure of the government to deliver justice to victims of terrorist activities in the state.
During the Khongjom Day observance, security arrangements were tightened along the routes from early morning. However, Meira Paibis staged protests at several locations. With the conclusion of the five-day total shutdown, normal life in the valley districts was severely affected as roads were blocked at multiple points.
In the hill areas, the three-day blockade imposed by the United Naga Council, which concludes on Thursday, also disrupted normal life. In addition, the Foothill Naga Co-ordinating Committee announced an indefinite blockade beginning midnight, bringing large parts of the state to a standstill.
Meanwhile, several organisations carried out protests and observances across the state.
The Namdunlong Women Society organised a sit-in protest at Namdunlong Gate, Khuman Lampak, in support of the Longmei community. Executive Member Aguilu Phaomei condemned the killing of two siblings, the deaths of three individuals allegedly due to CRPF firing, and the reported killing of two civilians by Kuki militants on April 18 at TM Kasom village along the Imphal–Ukhrul road.
The Youth Welfare Club, Thambalkhong staged a protest by blocking roads at its locality.
The Uripok Nupi Apunba Lup expressed concern over the prevailing unrest and staged road protests in the Uripok area as part of its democratic agitation. The organisation condemned the killing of two children in the Tronglaobi incident and demanded a judicial inquiry into the actions of both State and Central security forces to ensure accountability and transparency. It also called for immediate identification and legal action against those responsible.
In Yairipok, women vendors announced the resumption of agitation at the local market from Thursday.
On the final day of the five-day shutdown, protesters burned tyres and blocked roads at Yourabung in Lamlai Assembly Constituency.
A Meira Paibi leader from Yairipok questioned the heavy deployment of security personnel, while in Khurai, a woman protester raised concerns over recurring violence and questioned whether compensation alone would be provided without ensuring justice.
As part of the ongoing agitation linked to the April 7 Tronglaobi incident, Meira Paibis and youth groups staged road blockade protests at multiple locations across the state including Kwakethel, Sagolband, Wakengleikai, Khurai etc.