At a public convention in Imphal, COCOMI and other Meitei organisations stressed the need to protect the state’s territorial integrity and administrative unity amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
BY PC Bureau
May 3, 2026 — The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and allied Meitei organisations on Sunday demanded the immediate implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the next census to address concerns over alleged illegal immigration, along with the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and administrative unity.
VIDEO | COCOMI Convenor K Meghachandra says, “The Manipur government has been unable to bring any solution in the last three years; communities have been divided and the government is responsible for it. MLAs should resign.”
(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/ttriHxTgGR
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 3, 2026
He criticised the Manipur government for failing to effectively convey the ground situation to the Centre. .Nahakpam noted that while some measures for development and peace had been initiated, they had not delivered results. He highlighted ongoing issues such as restricted highway movement and the slow rehabilitation of IDPs despite regular security operations.
Full Set of Core DemandsAlong with the convention, processions and rallies were held across the Imphal Valley. The key demands raised include:
- Immediate implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the next census, using an appropriate base year, to address alleged illegal immigration.
- Protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and administrative unity.
- Full rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their early return from relief camps.
- Stronger action against “narco-terrorism” and militant activities.
- Resolution of security-related issues, including ensuring free movement on highways.
- Accountability and justice for victims of violence, including recent incidents.
- A comprehensive review of government initiatives and peace processes that have failed to end the conflict. These events formed part of broader commemorative programmes by Meitei groups, who emphasised issues of identity, security, and unity through rallies in districts such as Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Thoubal. A separate protest was also held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi a day earlier.
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Rallies Across the Valley
The convention formed the centrepiece of wider observances by Meitei organisations, with rallies and processions held across multiple districts in the Imphal Valley. Participants echoed concerns over identity protection, security, and the preservation of Manipur’s territorial unity.
These events stood in contrast to programmes in the hill districts, where Kuki-Zo groups marked the anniversary with shutdowns, memorial services, and protest gatherings reflecting a different set of political demands.
Organisers said the convention undertook a detailed review of the human and economic impact of the crisis, including casualties, displacement, and relief measures. The final resolutions are expected to be formally submitted to both the state and central governments.
Further details on follow-up actions or possible agitation plans are awaited as the convention concludes. The developments come amid tight security across Manipur, three years after the violence first erupted, with no comprehensive political settlement yet in sight.
