Manipur: COCOMI condemns use of force on peaceful protest in Imphal

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has strongly condemned central security forces for using tear gas and mob bombs against what it described as a peaceful protest held on Sunday near the western gate of Kangla Fort in Imphal.

During a press conference, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba expressed deep concern over what he called an excessive and unwarranted response by the authorities, particularly targeting women and elderly participants. The protest was part of a broader campaign demanding an official apology from the Governor of Manipur, along with the resignation of Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Chief Secretary PK Singh.

The ongoing agitation, according to COCOMI, is a response to decisions by the current PR government that protesters believe undermine the cultural and political identity of Manipur.

Athouba reported that four individuals were injured in the incident and urged authorities to refrain from deploying aggressive crowd-control tactics against unarmed civilians. He emphasised that the demonstrations would continue until the protesters’ demands are met.