Massive Public Rally in Imphal Calls for Preservation of Manipur's Unity
Thousands of citizens from across Manipur converged in Imphal on Saturday for a significant demonstration aimed at safeguarding the state's territorial and administrative integrity. The rally, organized under the banner "Manipur Kanba Khongchat" (march to save Manipur), was coordinated by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (Cocomi) to protest the prolonged crisis that has gripped the state since May 3, 2023.
Unity March Across Imphal
The rally commenced at Tiddim Ground and concluded at THAU Ground in Imphal West, where a public meeting was held. Participants from diverse communities and regions of Manipur joined the procession, emphasizing collective solidarity. The event highlighted widespread public frustration with the ongoing instability and called for immediate governmental intervention.
Key Demands and Resolutions
During the rally, several critical resolutions were adopted, reflecting the urgent concerns of the people:
- Abrogation of Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement: The meeting demanded the termination of the SoO pact with Kuki groups, arguing that it has normalized terror, paralyzed governance, and enabled armed domination of civilian spaces.
- Action Against Narco-Terrorism: Speakers called for decisive measures to dismantle "Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist networks" operating in Manipur and their cross-border links with Myanmar.
- Return of Displaced Persons: The rally urged the Government of India to ensure the immediate, safe, and dignified return of all internally displaced persons to their homes, with full security guarantees and rehabilitation support.
- Rejection of Crisis Mischaracterization: Participants rejected labeling the situation as mere "ethnic tension," citing systematic human rights violations, including targeted killings, terror attacks, forced displacement, and destruction of settlements.
- Constitutional Governance Restoration: Demands included accountability, transparency, and the implementation of mechanisms like the NRC to address demographic challenges.
Voices from the Rally
Khuraijam Athouba, former Cocomi convener, emphasized the need for policy change, stating, "It is time for the Centre to change its policy towards the state. Manipur's integrity should remain intact, and the breeding of narco-terrorism in the hill areas should be controlled at the earliest."
Michael Lamjathang Haokip, general secretary of Thadou Inpi Manipur, highlighted the rally's purpose to unite indigenous communities for peace. He said, "If the Govt of India truly cares for Manipur, it should take initiative to restore peace and enable peaceful coexistence, instead of supporting those who want to break Manipur." He added that communities like Vaiphei, Paite, and Hmar share the vision of a united Manipur but are being held hostage by separatist elements.
Broader Implications and Future Steps
The rally underscored the deep-seated grievances in Manipur, with calls for:
- Protection of Manipur's territorial integrity and democratic rights.
- Ensuring free, safe, and uninterrupted movement on national highways.
- Halting gross human rights violations and ensuring justice for affected individuals.
This massive public mobilization reflects a growing demand for decisive action from central and state authorities to address the crisis, restore peace, and uphold the constitutional framework in Manipur.
