Manipur Conflict: COCOMI Warns of Intensified Agitation from October 31
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity announced a joint rally for October 31 during a protest in Imphal, demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement and accountability over recent civilian killings.
IMPHAL- The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced a joint rally of Meitei and indigenous communities on October 31, demanding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and what the organisation describes as India’s proxy war in Manipur.
The announcement was made by COCOMI convenor YK Dhiren during a sit-in protest held on Thursday outside the United Committee Manipur office at Lamphelpat, Imphal. The protest also marked the launch of a broader campaign against the SoO agreement and the continuing conflict in the state.
COCOMI’s demands come amid persistent tensions and concerns over civilian safety, accountability and efforts to restore peace in Manipur.
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COCOMI Seeks Accountability Over Civilian Killings
Addressing protesters, Dhiren alleged that three civilians who had gone to collect firewood in the Sanalok hill area, associated with the Khongbal killings, were shot dead by Kuki militants, while three others sustained injuries.
He called on both the state and central governments to take responsibility for addressing the incident, ensure justice for the victims and take concrete measures to prevent further violence.
The allegations reflect COCOMI’s position on the incident. Responsibility for the killings and the circumstances surrounding them would need to be established through an official investigation.
Dhiren also criticised the government’s handling of the conflict, arguing that repeated appeals for peace had not prevented further violence. He called for effective measures to protect civilians and restore security across the state.
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Joint Rally Planned for October 31
Reiterating the organisation’s demands, Dhiren said the October 31 rally would bring together members of Meitei and indigenous communities as part of the campaign against the SoO agreement.
The rally is intended to strengthen public mobilisation around COCOMI’s demands and press authorities to take action on the conflict.
The Suspension of Operations framework concerns arrangements involving the government and certain armed groups in the region. COCOMI is demanding that the agreement be revoked, arguing that the existing approach has not delivered the security and peace sought by the organisation.
NHACM Warns of Intensified Agitation
Addressing the media, NHACM co-convenor Amana Thaimai said indigenous communities had endured more than three years of conflict and alleged that the situation continued to escalate rather than subside.
She urged the state government to take concrete steps to resolve the crisis within the stipulated deadline. Thaimai warned that the organisations would intensify their agitation from October 31 if their demands were not met.
The announcement signals the possibility of further demonstrations if the organisations remain dissatisfied with the government’s response.
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Peace and Civilian Security Remain Key Concerns
The planned rally comes as Manipur continues to face challenges related to security, inter-community tensions and the restoration of normalcy.
COCOMI’s campaign places the SoO agreement and government accountability at the centre of its demands. The organisations’ proposed mobilisation also highlights continuing pressure on authorities to address allegations of violence, protect civilians and pursue a durable resolution to the conflict.
The October 31 rally is expected to be a significant development in the organisations’ campaign. The government’s response and the steps taken to address civilian safety and the underlying conflict will remain important factors in the days ahead.
