Manipur: COCOMI stages statewide rally, seeks answers on conflict and rehabilitation

A statewide protest called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) was held on Saturday, April 25, with demonstrators attempting to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence to submit a memorandum outlining six demands linked to the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

 

Protesters from several valley districts gathered at designated points and moved in groups towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow, intending to hand over the document to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Security forces were deployed at key locations, including Kangla Fort, Keishampat Junction, Khurai Lamlong and Palace Compound, restricting further movement of the marchers.

 

The memorandum by COCOMI raised six questions, seeking clear timelines and action from the state government. These include whether the government will press the Centre to halt what the group described as a “proxy war”, steps to address alleged narco-terrorism, and progress in delivering justice for recent violent incidents, including the Tronglaobi blast and an ambush near TM Kasom.

 

The organisation also demanded a judicial inquiry into an alleged firing incident involving the Central Reserve Police Force that reportedly left three civilians dead. Concerns over the continued displacement of residents were highlighted, with COCOMI asking for a concrete plan and deadline for resettling internally displaced persons still living in relief camps.

 

Another key demand relates to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with armed groups. The committee questioned whether the state intends to revoke these arrangements, which have remained contentious since ethnic tensions escalated in 2023.

 

The rally follows COCOMI’s announcement a day earlier, describing the protest as a “final round of calibrated agitation”. Speaking at a press briefing in Lamphel, spokesperson Nahakpam Shanta said the agitation was prompted by recent incidents of violence and the lack of visible progress on earlier assurances.

 

He stated that the protest would involve participation from local clubs, civil society organisations and community groups, and would continue until the government provides definitive responses and takes measurable action. 

 

Since the Tronglaobi bomb attack on April 7, various forms of agitation have been carried out across the state during both day and night.