Hundreds of displaced individuals from the Meitei community, alongside members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), took to the streets of Imphal once again on Monday, 12 January 2026. The demonstrators voiced their frustration over what they perceive as official inaction regarding their resettlement and rehabilitation.
Voices of Protest Fill Imphal Streets
Carrying placards and shouting slogans, a large group of men and women marched through the state capital. Their collective voice condemned the alleged indifference of authorities towards their long-pending demands for a safe and permanent return to their homes. The protest highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from the ethnic conflict in the region.
A Delegation Meets the Governor
Following the street demonstrations, a delegation representing the displaced persons and COCOMI secured a meeting with the Governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey. The meeting was a critical part of their strategy to escalate their plea directly to the constitutional head of the state. They presented their case for immediate and concrete steps towards resettlement and rehabilitation, urging the Governor's intervention to break the deadlock.
Mounting Pressure for a Resolution
This protest marks another chapter in the sustained civil society movement led by COCOMI, which has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and security of the Meitei community. The repeated public demonstrations underscore the growing impatience and distress among those who have been living in relief camps for an extended period. The key outcomes expected from the meeting with the Governor include:
- A clear timeline for the resettlement process.
- Assurances of safety and security for returning families.
- A dedicated rehabilitation package to help rebuild lives and livelihoods.
The state administration now faces mounting pressure to address these humanitarian concerns with urgency and sensitivity, as the protestors have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
