Thousands of people, including internally displaced persons and local residents from various communities, took to the streets of Manipur on Saturday, January 31, demanding the protection of the state’s territorial integrity and an end to what they described as a “proxy war” in the region.
The mass rally, titled “Manipur Kanba Khongchat” (Save Manipur), began at Tiddim Ground and was set to conclude at Thau Ground, drawing participants from across the Imphal Valley and neighboring areas.
Organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the protest forms part of ongoing efforts led by the group amid prolonged unrest in the state.
Demonstrators carried placards and raised slogans calling for the resettlement of internally displaced persons, the safeguarding of Manipur’s territorial integrity, and an immediate halt to what they alleged was external interference exacerbating the conflict. Chants such as “Stop proxy war,” “Do not disintegrate Manipur,” and “Long live Manipur” resonated throughout the rally.
Participants also appealed to the Government of India to take decisive measures to ensure security, restore normalcy, and uphold the state’s unity and sovereignty.
