Thousands of people took to the streets of Imphal to save Manipur’s capital and show their opposition to any changes that could affect the state’s territorial or administrative integrity amid ongoing political and ethnic tensions.
The rally, organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), had participants marching nearly 5 kms from Tiddim Ground to Thau Ground. They raised slogans and held signs stating that Manipur must remain undivided.
Imphal protestors efforts to Save Manipur’s Unity
Protesters asked for the resettlement of internally displaced persons in their original homes and warned against any attempts to change the state’s administrative setup.
This mobilization comes as some members of the Kuki community demand a separate administrative arrangement after ongoing ethnic violence in the state. Clashes between the Meiteis, based in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo groups in the hills since May 2023 have resulted in at least 260 deaths and the displacement of thousands. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February last year.
Muslim, Naga, and non-Manipuri communities come together in protest
The rally attracted not only Meitei civil society groups but also members of Muslim, Naga, and non-Manipuri communities. Organizers described this as a larger consensus on preserving the state’s unity.
“We are here to make it clear that Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity not compromised under any circumstances,” said participant Bidyaluxmi Oinam. Another demonstrator, Khagembam Surjit, said that Manipur’s land and identity shaped by its ancestors and not divided.
Officials reported that security arrangements tightened across Imphal to ensure the rally went smoothly.
Read also: Bengaluru Pet dog attacks on women, Bites face and neck, get 50 Stitches on Body