COCOMI’s public convention in Imphal drew a diverse crowd to address Manipur’s ongoing crisis. Convenor Khuraijam Athouba accused the Centre of treating Manipur as a “second-class state” and failing to curb narco-terrorism from Myanmar. Resolutions for law and order, rehabilitation, and democratic governance were adopted, followed by a moving candlelight tribute at Kangla.
BY PC Bureau
May 3, 2025 – The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei civil society organization, staged a massive public convention at Khuman Lampak in Imphal on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of the ethnic conflict that erupted in Manipur in May 2023. Thousands gathered, including civil society leaders, scholars, journalists, ethnic community representatives, displaced persons, village volunteers, and citizens, to voice their grievances against the Central government’s handling of the crisis and to adopt resolutions for restoring peace. The event concluded with a candlelight tribute at Kangla Nongpok Thong to honor the martyrs and victims of the violence.
The convention served as a platform to address the ongoing ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed over 250 lives and displaced more than 50,000 people since 2023. COCOMI criticized the Central government’s inaction, the failure of President’s Rule, and perceived biases in addressing the crisis compared to regions like Jammu and Kashmir. The organization urged Manipuris to refrain from regular activities on May 3 as a show of solidarity, emphasizing the need for justice, safety, and the restoration of constitutional rights.
VIDEO | Here’s what COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba said earlier today, speaking at the Manipur People’s Convention.
“It took around five hours with lakhs of people from across the state of Manipur, who have come here today, to join this landmark convention. This is going… pic.twitter.com/MQFJzCI3sk
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 3, 2025
COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba delivered a fiery speech, accusing the Central government of treating Manipur as a “second-class state.” Speaking on the sidelines of the event, he demanded urgent action to address curtailed freedoms, safety concerns, and the lack of basic rights for valley residents. “If the Government of India continues to ignore the ground reality and fails to act swiftly, it will send a very wrong message. Manipur cannot and will not be treated as a second-class state,” Athouba declared, calling for guarantees of constitutional and fundamental rights.
Athouba also slammed the imposition of President’s Rule, stating it has failed to restore law and order in both the hills and the valley. “People across Manipur agree that President’s Rule has brought no meaningful relief or governance. Violence and fear persist,” he said, advocating for the restoration of a popularly elected government. He further accused the Centre of double standards in handling terrorism, contrasting its aggressive response to Pakistan-linked threats in Kashmir with its lenient approach to Myanmar-based militant groups in Manipur. “Terrorist groups infiltrating from Myanmar are treated in a friendly and complacent manner,” he said, demanding a military crackdown to curb narco-terrorism and ensure a terror-free environment.
Other leaders and representatives echoed Athouba’s concerns, focusing on the need for dialogue, rehabilitation of displaced persons, and secure access to healthcare, education, and transport. They criticized cross-border drug trafficking and illegal immigration from Myanmar, urging the creation of a specialized anti-narcotics bureau. Speakers also rejected demands for a separate administration or Union Territory, asserting that Manipur’s integrity must remain intact, and accused certain Kuki organizations of exploiting public sentiment for political gain.
READ Seilen Haokip Article: Manipur — Two Years on: A Federated Way Forward for Lasting Peace
The convention concluded with the adoption of several resolutions to be submitted to the Central government, calling for the immediate restoration of law and order, guarantees of constitutional rights, action against narco-terrorism, rehabilitation of displaced persons, and the end of President’s Rule. The resolutions underscored the collective frustration over the lack of decisive measures to address the crisis.
Following the event, COCOMI led a candlelight tribute at Kangla Nongpok Thong, where participants lit candles to honor those lost in the conflict. The tribute symbolized the community’s resolve to seek justice and peace while commemorating the victims.
READ Khuraijam Athouba's Article: Manipur — Two years on: People deserve lasting peace, justice, and security.
The convention highlighted COCOMI’s role as a leading voice for the Meitei community and amplified demands for systemic change. By mobilizing public support and adopting actionable resolutions, the event sent a clear message to the Centre that Manipur’s crisis requires urgent attention. However, it also underscored the challenges of bridging divides with the Kuki-Zo community, as COCOMI rejected peace talks perceived as “stage-managed” by the government.
#WATCH | Imphal, Manipur: In commemoration of 2 years of the disturbance in the state, Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FACO) has organised an event at Yumnam Khunou Community hall, Imphal East under the theme Bridging Divides for Shared Future. pic.twitter.com/uzDAF8D7PF
— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2025
As Manipur enters the third year of its ethnic conflict, the convention and candlelight tribute served as a powerful reminder of the need for inclusive dialogue, robust governance, and a commitment to restoring normalcy. COCOMI’s efforts have strengthened the call for unity among Manipuris, but the path to reconciliation remains fraught with challenges.
