Manipur: COCOMI, tribal bodies to hold October 31 rally, demand abrogation of SoO pact

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), along with several tribal organisations, will organise a mass rally in Imphal on October 31, demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, an end to the ongoing conflict and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The rally will begin at Tiddim Ground and proceed to Thangmeiband Thau Ground, where a public meeting will be held, COCOMI convenor Y.K. Dhiren announced at a press conference at the organisation’s office in Lamphel.

The rally is being jointly organised by COCOMI, the Joint Tribe Council (JTC), Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee (NHAC), Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) and Naga People's Union, Imphal (NPUI).

Dhiren said the rally aims to bring together people from different communities to raise a collective voice against the prolonged conflict in Manipur, which began on May 3, 2023.

Expressing concern over the continuing violence and its impact on the state's indigenous communities, he described the situation as a proxy war against the people of Manipur and called for an end to the conflict.

The organisers have also demanded the abrogation of the SoO agreement and the rehabilitation of IDPs by facilitating their return to their respective homes.

The rally will be held under the theme “Chingmi-Tammi” (hill-valley), with the organisers seeking to demonstrate solidarity among the indigenous communities of Manipur.

Dhiren appealed to people from all sections of society to participate in the rally in large numbers, saying the programme would provide a common platform to press for the organisations' demands.

COCOMI and the participating organisations said the mobilisation was aimed at protecting Manipur's integrity and restoring peace in the state.