Manipur: COCOMI announces statewide agitation, poses six key questions to government

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on April 24 announced a final round of agitation across the state, raising six critical questions to the Manipur government and seeking time-bound responses on issues ranging from security to rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Addressing a press conference at its office in Lamphel, COCOMI spokesperson Nahakpam Shanta said the proposed agitation follows a series of protests launched after the Tronglaobi bomb blast incident. He stated that a “final round of calibrated agitation” will be carried out on April 25, with participation from various clubs, organisations, and civil society groups.

According to Santa, demonstrators will gather at 1 pm and submit a memorandum to concerned authorities and legislators, outlining six key demands.

The first question seeks clarity on whether the government intends to stop what COCOMI termed as a “proxy war” allegedly being carried out against the indigenous people of the state.

Secondly, the organisation has asked whether concrete steps will be taken to curb narco-terrorism, and if so, what timeline has been set for action.

The third question pertains to the April 7 incident in which five individuals, including two minors, were killed. COCOMI demanded to know when the perpetrators will be identified and arrested.

Fourth, the committee questioned whether the government would initiate an inquiry into an incident involving the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), in which three civilians were reportedly killed.

The fifth issue relates to the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). COCOMI pointed out that despite an earlier assurance—reportedly communicated by the Chief Secretary under the Governor’s rule—that all displaced persons would be resettled by March 31, many continue to live in relief camps. 

The organisation has demanded a revised deadline and clarity on the government’s plan.

Lastly, COCOMI raised concerns over the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with certain armed groups operating in the state. It questioned whether the government is considering abrogating these agreements, which have been a subject of debate among various civil society organisations since May 2023.

Santa stated that the agitation will continue until the government provides “clear answers and visible action” on all six issues.

The development comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur, with civil society groups intensifying pressure on authorities over security, accountability, and rehabilitation concerns.