Flagged off from Kwakeithel Tiddim Ground to THAU Ground alongside simultaneous sit-in demonstrations across Naga district headquarters, the joint hill-valley mobilization presses New Delhi to end the alleged “proxy war,” abrogate the SoO pact, withdraw the Assam Rifles, and resettle all IDPs
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
IMPHAL, Oct 31:
A massive joint rally of indigenous communities spanning both the valley and the hills got underway in Imphal on Saturday, backed by simultaneous solidarity protests across Naga district headquarters, to press the Government of India on four collective demands aimed at ending Manipur’s protracted security crisis.
Spearheaded by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) alongside the Joint Tribes Council and several hill and valley civil society organisations (CSOs), the march was scheduled to be flagged off at 11:00 AM from Tiddim Ground at Kwakeithel. Passing through Keishampat, Wahengbam Leikai, Nagamapal, and Khoyathong, the procession culminates at THAU Ground in Thangmeiband for a public convention of indigenous representatives.
Cross-Community Backing From Valley and Hills
In a significant display of cross-community alignment following recent violent flashpoints in Imphal East, Kamjong, and Kangpokpi districts, the rally has drawn formal endorsements from a wide spectrum of tribal and valley bodies:
- Naga Civil Society & Student Bodies: The United Naga Council (UNC), the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO), and the federation of Naga village chiefs endorsed the mobilization, announcing simultaneous peaceful sit-in protests and solidarity rallies across all Naga district headquarters starting at 11:00 AM.
- Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM): Extending formal support to the joint indigenous rally, Thadou Inpi Manipur backed the call for strict accountability against armed groups and the protection of unarmed civilians.
- Women’s Wings, Meira Paibis & Displaced Groups: COCOMI’s Women Wing, the Meitei Meetei Kanba Apunba Lup (MMKAL), the Committee on Protection of Meitei Victims (COPMeV) Moreh, and representatives of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) mobilised across valley localities ahead of the march.
Addressing the media at Lamphelpat ahead of the march, COCOMI convenor Y.K. Dhiren appealed to citizens across the state—barring hospitals, oil pumps, and essential emergency services—to suspend routine activities and join the demonstration to send an “unmistakable message of solidarity” to New Delhi.
The Four Core Demands
The joint indigenous convention centers on a four-point charter addressed to the Central and State governments:
- End the Alleged “Proxy War”: Immediate decisive action by security forces to halt cross-border and militant attacks on indigenous villages and civilians.
- Abrogation of the SoO Agreement: Complete termination of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with militant groups and the permanent dismantling of designated and unauthorised camps following the recent Sinai Camp disclosures.
- Withdrawal of the Assam Rifles: Removal and replacement of the paramilitary force from sensitive deployment zones in the state amid persistent allegations of partisan conduct.
- Resettlement of All IDPs: A time-bound, secure rehabilitation roadmap allowing thousands of displaced families languishing in relief camps for over three years to return to their original homes and agricultural lands.
Organisers also urged the state administration not to obstruct the democratic demonstration and called upon transport associations to assist participants travelling from outlying districts into Imphal.
