Thousands March in Imphal for 'Save Manipur' Rally, Demand Resettlement and Unity
In a powerful display of unity and resilience, thousands of people participated in a massive 'Save Manipur' rally in Imphal on Saturday, one of the largest gatherings the state has witnessed in recent years. Organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur's Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella group of several Meitei civil bodies, the rally aimed to send a clear message against any policy that could fragment the state and to demand urgent resettlement for those displaced by ongoing ethnic conflicts.
Diverse Communities Unite in Peaceful March
The rally, officially named Manipur Kanba Khongchat, saw participants from a wide array of communities come together in a show of solidarity. Meitei Muslims, various tribal groups, Jains, Punjabis, Marwaris, and Bengalis all joined the march, which covered nearly five kilometers from Tiddim Ground to Thou Ground. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) turned out in massive numbers, with many traveling from relief camps and affected localities to voice their demands for rehabilitation and peace.
Participants raised slogans such as "no compromise on Manipur's integrity," "stop proxy war," and "long live Manipur," echoing through the streets as they marched. The rally's organizers emphasized that the event was meant to demonstrate that the people of Manipur stand united against any attempts to divide the state and to highlight the urgent need for resolving the displacement crisis.
Widespread Impact and Resolutions Adopted
Normal life across Manipur was significantly affected by the rally, with business establishments remaining shut and schools and colleges closed in response to COCOMI's call a few days prior. This widespread participation underscored the deep-seated concerns among the population regarding the state's future and the well-being of its displaced citizens.
After the rally concluded at Thou Ground in Imphal West district, a public convention was held where several key resolutions were adopted. These include:
- Demand for immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups.
- Implementation of a concrete policy for IDPs to ensure their rehabilitation and resettlement within a defined timeframe.
- Measures to stop cross-border activities of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups.
- Preservation of the territorial and administrative integrity of Manipur.
COCOMI's Strong Message to the Centre
Citing the massive turnout, COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba stated that the rally was intended to "send out a clear message" to the Central Government. He expressed frustration over what he described as a deliberate false narrative being pushed to portray the situation as merely an ethnic conflict without acknowledging the Centre's responsibilities.
"The people of Manipur had repeatedly pursued the Government of India with urgent demands for resettlement of IDPs and resolution of the crisis, but a deliberate false narrative was being pushed to portray the situation as merely an ethnic conflict with no responsibility on the Centre's part," Athouba told mediapersons. He added that the population has endured grave human rights violations and has been kept in a hostage-like situation for over two-and-a-half years, highlighting the prolonged suffering and lack of effective intervention.
Background on Suspension of Operations Agreement
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) signed the tripartite SoO agreement with the Government of India and Manipur on August 22, 2008. Since its expiration, successive governments have extended the pact, with the latest extension occurring on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi. The rally's demand for its abrogation reflects growing discontent with the current approach to handling armed groups and the broader conflict in the region.
This rally not only showcased the collective voice of Manipur's diverse communities but also emphasized the critical need for immediate action to address displacement and safeguard the state's unity. As tensions continue to flare in the region, such demonstrations highlight the urgent call for peace, stability, and justice for all affected residents.
