UKHRUL: Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs), along with volunteers of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), held a protest rally in Imphal on Monday, demanding an official response on their resettlement.
The rally, which began from Imphal West district, attempted to march towards Lok Bhavan but was stopped by security forces at Keisampat junction, where barricades and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed. Tension briefly prevailed before a delegation of around 11 members, led by COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba, was allowed to proceed.
The delegation met officials at the Chief Secretary’s office and later submitted a memorandum at Raj Bhavan, seeking a written, time-bound roadmap for the safe return and rehabilitation of IDPs displaced by ethnic violence since May 3, 2023. Protesters alleged that despite daily submissions of memorandums since December 1, the government has not issued any response, even after the December 2025 resettlement deadline lapsed.
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Athouba said the agitation would continue until the authorities respond. No untoward incidents were reported.
At least 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Manipur is currently under President’s rule.