IDPs hold protest rally in Manipur's Imphal demanding govt response on resettlement

Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) staged a protest in Imphal on January 12, condemning what they described as the state government’s continued inaction in addressing their long-pending demands, and attempted to march towards Lok Bhavan to submit a memorandum to the Governor.

The protest was organised under the banner of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and followed the culmination of a month-long agitation demanding the resettlement of displaced families within December.

According to COCOMI, the march was carried out in line with a resolution adopted at the end of the prolonged protest after the government failed to respond to repeated appeals concerning the condition and future of IDPs. Protesters from multiple relief camps and localities converged at various points across the city before assembling for the march.

The procession began from Takhellambam Leikai and proceeded towards Lok Bhavan. However, security forces stopped the march at Keishampat Junction, preventing protesters from reaching Raj Bhavan.

Heavy security arrangements were put in place across the city, with personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Manipur Police deployed at strategic locations. Roads leading to the Governor’s residence were barricaded to avert any law-and-order situation.

Following the standoff, a small delegation comprising representatives of COCOMI and IDPs was allowed to meet the Governor, accompanied by the Chief Secretary. The delegation reportedly submitted their memorandum highlighting key demands and concerns.

During the protest, demonstrators raised slogans calling for the safe and dignified return of displaced persons to their homes, reopening of national highways, and restoration of peace and normalcy in the state. Protesters asserted that Manipur belongs to all its people and urged authorities to take immediate steps toward reconciliation and rehabilitation.