Imphal: A massive public rally was held in Imphal on Friday, demanding peace and protection for the state while urging the Central government to end its “divide and rule” policy.
Organized by the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the rally saw participation from thousands of people, including MLAs Sapam Nishikanta Singh and Thangjam Arunkumar.
COCOMI presented an eight-point charter of demands, emphasizing the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and the deportation of “illegal Chin-Kuki-Mizo narco-terrorists.” The rally commenced from THAU ground, passed through Nagamapal to BT Road, and concluded at Khuman Lampak near the Indoor Stadium.
Retired Session Judge Aribam Noutuneshwari condemned the Central government for turning Manipur into a conflict zone, contrasting the situation with Bangladesh, where the Prime Minister is reportedly expelling Kukis to prevent the creation of Kukiland.
Renowned artist Shamurailatpam Nabachandra Sharma also criticized the Central government for ignoring the conflict between Kuki narco-terrorists and Manipur’s indigenous people. Joychandra Konthoujam, President of UCM, accused the Central government of playing divide and rule and called for the immediate expulsion of illegal migrants and narco-terrorists.
COCOMI Convenor Somorendro stated that the rally aimed to show the world how the Indian government views the people of Manipur and demanded an end to the proxy war in the state. MLA Nishikant Sapam expressed his full support for maintaining Manipur’s territorial integrity, emphasizing that integrity is not just about boundaries but also its people and culture.
The rally underscored the deep-seated frustrations and fears among Manipur’s indigenous communities, reflecting a broader sentiment of neglect and marginalization by the Central government. With agency inputs
