IMPHAL — Manipur witnessed one of its largest public demonstrations since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, as masses poured into Imphal on October 31 demanding peace.
The Sangai Express estimated participation at over one lakh, while national media described thousands without independently confirming the higher figure. Numbers aside, the scale was undeniable — Tiddim Ground in Kwakeithel to THAU Ground in Thangmeiband turned into a sea of placards reading "Save Manipur" and “We Want Peace, Not Proxy War.”
Organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) along with several Naga civil society organisations, the rally brought together Meitei, Naga and other indigenous communities — a rare joint mobilisation in a state fractured along ethnic lines. Similar rallies were reported in hill districts of Senapati and Chandel.
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The core demand: immediate termination of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the government and Kuki militant groups. Protesters, in the organisers' words, accused the Centre of facilitating a "proxy war" against indigenous communities — an allegation made by organisers, not an independently established fact.
Other demands included withdrawal of Assam Rifles from certain areas, stronger security measures, safe return and rehabilitation of thousands of displaced families still in relief camps, and government accountability.
At THAU Ground, organisers adopted a six-point resolution — protection of indigenous communities, removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and resignation of the state government if demands are not met.
Businesses and educational institutions remained closed in parts of Imphal. Security personnel were deployed along the route; no major violence was reported.
Analytically, the rally matters for three reasons. First, Meitei-Naga joint action breaks the binary narrative of Meitei vs Kuki, signalling Naga groups want a stake in the peace formula. Second, targeting SoO puts the Centre, not just the state, in the dock — SoO is a tripartite pact with the Union government. Third, the call for leadership change shows public patience with the current administration is wearing thin.
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Since May 2023, Manipur has seen over 260 deaths, 60,000+ displaced, villages burnt, and a de facto partition between valley and hills. Peace talks have stalled. This march is a reminder that street pressure for return to normalcy is building, and it is cutting across communities.
If and when Delhi decides it is an important issue only then will this becomes a turning point or another footnote.
*Tags:* #Manipur #Imphal #COCOMI #ManipurViolence #PeaceMarch #SoOAgreement #Meitei #Naga #Kuki #SaveManipur