IT News,
Imphal, June 28:
A massive public rally at Khuman Lampak saw nearly 1.5 lakh people from Manipur’s indigenous communities—Meitei, Naga, and Meitei-Pangal—demanding peace and protection for their state while calling on the Central government to stop its “divide and rule” policy.
Organized by the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the rally articulated an eight-point charter of demands, including the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and the deportation of “illegal Chin-Kuki-Mizo narco-terrorists.”
The event began at the Thangmeiband Athletic Union (THAU) ground and concluded with a public meeting at Khuman Lampak. Prominent voices at the rally included retired Session Judge Aribam Noutuneshwari, who condemned the Central government for turning Manipur into a battle zone. She contrasted the situation with Bangladesh, where the Prime Minister is reportedly expelling Kukis to prevent the creation of Kukiland, while India’s central leadership remains silent on the ongoing violence in Manipur.
Noutuneshwari emphasized that the government’s tactics are costing innocent lives and undermining peace and harmony in Manipur. She highlighted the violence that erupted in Churachandpur on May 2, 2023, which led to over 100 deaths and displaced nearly one lakh individuals, who are now residing in various relief centers across the state.
Social activist and renowned artist Shamurailatpam Nabachandra Sharma also spoke at the rally, criticizing the central government for ignoring the conflict between Kuki narco-terrorists and Manipur’s indigenous people. He lamented President Droupadi Murmu’s failure to address the Manipur situation in her first speech to the joint session of Parliament following the formation of the third National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Nabachandra Sharma stressed that “breaking the state of Manipur is breaking Bharat,” arguing that the actions of the BJP-led Central government are contrary to the wishes and aspirations of the Bharatiyas.
Joychandra Konthoujam, President of UCM, accused the Central government of playing divide and rule and called for the immediate expulsion of illegal migrants and narco-terrorists. L. Jadu, a member of COCOMI, stated that “those who believe in the unity and administrative integrity of Manipur, regardless of their community, even if they belong to Kuki community, are welcome to stay in Imphal.”
Laishram Somorendro, Convenor of COCOMI, highlighted the government’s neglect, noting that “the ongoing violence in Manipur was not mentioned in the President’s speech in Parliament. He stated that the rally aimed to show the world how the Indian government views the people of Manipur and demanded an end to the proxy war in the state.”
MLA Nishikant Sapam expressed his full support for maintaining Manipur’s territorial integrity, emphasizing the need for effective implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address the influx of illegal immigrants.
Lourembam Nganbi, president of AMKIL and a COCOMI member, criticized the governments of Manipur and India for ignoring their plight, stating that they are being invaded by Kuki terrorists and those under suspension of operations.
The rally highlights the deep-seated frustrations and fears among Manipur’s indigenous communities, reflecting a broader sentiment of neglect and marginalization by the Central government. As the conflict continues, the demands for peace and justice in Manipur are likely to grow louder, with significant implications for the region’s stability and the broader political landscape in India.
