UKHRUL: Tens of thousands of people from across Manipur took to streets in Imphal on Saturday and participated in the ‘Manipur Kanba Khongchat’ (Save Manipur Rally) to raise their concerns over the present law and order situation in the state.
Organised by Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the rally commenced from Kwakeithel Tiddim Ground and marched towards Keishampat junction and Nagamapal before converging at Thau ground in Imphal West for a public convention.
The historic rally saw collective participation from various communities, including Meitei Pangals (Muslims), Gorkhas besides Meiteis from across five valley districts.
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Holding placards and banners, the protestors raised slogans demanding immediate resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes and for the protection of Manipur’s territorial and social integrity amid the prolonged crisis in the state.
Slogans such as “Stop proxy war,” “Do not balkanize Manipur,” “Long live Manipur”, and “India should stop supporting Chin-Kuki narco terrorists,” reverberated as the protestors marched through the 5 km distance route.
During the public convention at Thau ground, leaders and representatives from various organisations and communities addressed the gathering. And with the President’s Rule about to complete one year on February 12, many speakers expressed concern over continuance of the President’s rule in the state.
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Addressing the public convention, YK Dhiren, Convenor of COCOMI, urged the Government of India not to divide Manipur, undermine its territorial integrity, or support narco-terrorist elements through proxy conflicts. He voiced deep concern over the current situation, highlighting ongoing restrictions on free movement and the plight of thousands of internally displaced persons who remain unable to return home. Dhiren described these conditions as grave human rights violations that must be urgently addressed.
Former convenor of COCOMI, Athouba Khuraijam, stated that today’s is a decisive moment, with people across the state have come out in the streets to send a clear message to the Government of India. He urged the Centre to end ‘politics of proxy war’ against the people of Manipur and all forms of human rights violations in Manipur.
The people would no longer tolerate such actions, so either the Government of India change its policy or face the people of Manipur, he added.
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All business activities and educational institutions remained closed across the valley districts, to extend solidarity to the people of the state.
Heavy security forces were deployed along the route in the state capital to ensure the event proceeded smoothly and peacefully.
Moreover, during the public meeting, eight resolutions were adopted to safeguard Manipur and free movement at national highways.