Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur, supported by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi), have expressed deep frustration over the state government's persistent silence regarding their return to original homes. This follows the conclusion of a prolonged relay sit-in protest that failed to elicit any official response or action.
Protest Concludes, Government Silence Continues
The month-long relay sit-in protest, organized by Cocomi and IDPs demanding resettlement, officially ended on Tuesday. Protest leaders have sharply criticized state authorities, including the office of the Manipur Governor, for not honoring previous commitments. The protest, which began on December 1, was a direct effort to pressure the government into acting on assurances given during a critical meeting with the governor on July 3.
Khuraijam Athouba, the convenor of Cocomi, stated that the deadline for action on resettlement passed on Tuesday without any progress report, response, or indication of movement from the government. He revealed that for the entire 30-day duration, IDP representatives and Cocomi submitted daily memoranda and reminder letters seeking concrete steps, none of which were acknowledged. Athouba described this official silence as deliberate and ongoing.
Next Step: A Peaceful March to Seek Direct Answers
Announcing the next phase of their agitation, Athouba said a unanimous decision has been made to organize a march to Lok Bhavan on January 12. The aim is to seek a direct response from the Governor. Protesters plan to question the governor on three key issues: the non-fulfilment of assurances made in July, the lack of response to 30 consecutive memoranda, and the continued violation of IDPs' human rights over the past two-and-a-half years.
Athouba emphasized that the planned march would be peaceful, constitutional, and democratic in nature. This move underscores the growing desperation among the displaced population, who have been living in temporary shelters for an extended period.
A Plea for Justice and a Clear Roadmap
In a joint statement, Cocomi and the IDPs made an urgent appeal to the Governor to break the silence. They urged the authorities to acknowledge the suffering of the displaced people and to present a clear, written, and time-bound resettlement roadmap without any further delay.
The statement poignantly noted, "The people of Manipur seek peace — but peace cannot be sustained without justice, truth, and accountability." This sentiment captures the core demand of the movement, linking sustainable peace directly to the resolution of the displacement crisis through transparent and accountable governance.
