Imphal: Tensions escalated in Imphal on Saturday during a rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), with around 30 protesters reportedly injured after security forces resorted to tear gas shelling.
Protesters marching from four directions attempted to converge towards the Chief Minister’s Secretariat but were stopped by heavy security deployment at key locations, including Khurai, Palace Compound, Keishampat and Kangla.
Raising slogans and carrying placards, the demonstrators demanded restoration of peace and stability, protection of civilians, accountability for those responsible for the ongoing violence, and safeguarding of Manipur’s territorial integrity. They also sought clarity from the government on the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the conflict.
As protesters attempted to breach barricades, security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. According to reports, around 30 protesters sustained injuries at different locations during the confrontation.
COCOMI spokesperson N. Shanta said the rally is part of a series of agitations being organised in response to the continuing violence in the state. He added that the committee has raised seven key demands before the government, including the abrogation of Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements, concerns over alleged narco-terrorism, recent killings in Tronglaobi and TM Kasom, and the alleged killing of three youths by the Central Reserve Police Force.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government said it has taken note of the concerns raised by COCOMI and that action on several issues is already underway, including investigations into the Tronglaobi incident and matters related to IDPs.
Addressing a press conference at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that while some demands are being actively addressed, others are “delicate in nature” and require detailed deliberation before decisions can be made.
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They further informed that a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), led by an Inspector General-rank officer, visited the Tronglaobi site on Saturday as part of the ongoing investigation. The Chief Minister said he has been in regular contact with the officer and is closely monitoring developments.
On the question of arrests, the government said no fixed timeline can be provided but assured that efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible at the earliest.
The press conference was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar Singh, along with other ministers and MLAs.
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