The streets of Imphal echoed with slogans calling for the protection of Manipur and the restoration of peace as tens of thousands of people joined a mass rally in the state capital on Saturday.
Organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the ‘Save Manipur’ rally began at Tiddim Ground at 11 am and concluded at Thau Ground in Imphal West district, where a public convention was held. The rally covered a distance of 5 km.
Speaking to media persons, former convenor of COCOMI, Athouba Khuraijam, described the day as a decisive moment, with people across the state having come out on the streets to send a clear message to the Government of India. He urged the Centre to end what he termed a “politics of proxy war” against the people of Manipur and all forms of human rights violations in the state.
He further emphasised that the people would no longer tolerate such actions and cautioned that the Government of India must change its policy or face the collective resolve of Manipur’s citizens.
The mass rally saw participation from various indigenous communities of the state, including Meitei, Meitei Pangals, Kabui and Gorkhas. Their united presence underscored a collective commitment to preserving Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity.
All business establishments and educational institutions remained closed across the valley districts, expressing solidarity with the sentiments of the people.
Heavy security forces were deployed along the rally route in the state capital to ensure that the event proceeded smoothly and peacefully.
During the public convention at Thau Ground, leaders and representatives from various organisations and communities addressed the gathering. Eight resolutions were also adopted at the people’s convention on safeguarding and protecting the people of the state.
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The adopted resolutions include:
The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement must be immediately abrogated. Under the cover of the SoO, Kuki armed groups have been carrying out various activities. This must be stopped at once and appropriate action taken.
The propaganda portraying the ongoing crisis in Manipur as merely a conflict between two communities, thereby distorting the real situation, must be stopped immediately. Acts committed in the name of communal conflict that violate the rights and security of the people must also be halted.
A concrete policy must be framed for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and within a defined timeframe, they should be rehabilitated and resettled in their respective homes. Until then, proper care, protection, and financial assistance must be ensured.
Cross-border terrorist activities of Chin–Kuki narco-terrorist groups must be stopped. Their cross-border networks must be dismantled and illegal infrastructure removed.
The constitutional rights of the people must be upheld and protected. Governance, ensuring transparency and accountability, must be established.
The territorial and administrative integrity of Manipur must be preserved. The Government of India must respect the democratic rights and mandate of the people of Manipur.
The Government of India must implement the NRC or an equivalent mechanism in Manipur and identify and deport those who entered after the officially determined cut-off year.
The Government of India must ensure that the people of Manipur can travel freely and safely along the National Highways without obstruction.
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