Thousands rally in Imphal demanding Manipur’s territorial integrity, resettlement of IDPs, and protection of indigenous rights.
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IMPHAL — Thousands of people, mostly women and youths, took to the streets of Imphal on Saturday demanding protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity, resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and safeguards for indigenous people.
The protest was organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of several organisations that has been spearheading movements amid the prolonged unrest in the state.
Amid tight security, the ‘Save Manipur’ rally began around 11 am from Tiddim ground, located along the Imphal Airport Road, and converged at Thangmeiband Athletic Union (THAU) ground in Imphal West district for a public meeting.
Participants carrying banners, festoons and placards reading ‘Stop proxy war,’ ‘Do not balkanise Manipur’ and ‘No compromise on Manipur integrity’ also raised slogans such as ‘Protect Manipur’s territorial integrity’ and ‘Resettle IDPs immediately’ during the nearly three-hour-long rally.
Responding to calls to suspend work for the day, various sections of society, including government employees, Meira Paibies, women vendors and IDPs, participated in the rally.
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A woman leader addressing the gathering questioned the erosion of fundamental rights, stating that people were unable to move freely on national highways and that no concrete steps had been taken for the resettlement of IDPs.
Former COCOMI convenor Kh Athouba said that the rally was meant to send a strong message to the government of India. “Enough is enough. The government should stop what we see as a proxy war against the people of Manipur and end all forms of human rights violations,” he alleged.
Resolutions adopted at the public meeting urged the authorities to abrogate the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed groups, refrain from portraying the crisis merely as an ethnic conflict, ensure constitutional rights, facilitate the safe return of IDPs with adequate security, and protect Manipur’s territorial integrity.
Following COCOMI’s call to suspend daily activities, normal life in Imphal and adjoining areas was severely affected, with shops, business establishments and both government and private offices remaining largely closed for the day.