COCOMI stages sit-in protest at Salungpham, Hiyanglam; raises demands on Manipur crisis
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, May 29 2026: The Co-ordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), in association with Salungpham Mayai Leikai Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, Salungpham Youth Club, Maryland Shanaolong and Ringpam Shanaolong, organised a sit-in protest on Friday at Salungpham Mayai Leikai Community Hall in Thoubal district.

The protest was held under the banner demanding an end to India's proxy war, calling for military crackdown against "Kuki narco-terrorists," opposing alleged policies aimed at annihilating indigenous people and urging the Government to respond to the seven questions raised by the people of Manipur.

COCOMI stages sit-in protest at Salungpham, Hiyanglam; raises demands on Manipur crisis

The demonstration witnessed participation from people of different communities, including residents from Maryland and Ringpam villages of Tengnoupal district as well as various areas of Salungpham.

Addressing the gathering, COCOMI convenor YK Dhiren alleged that the Government of India's handling of the ethnic violence that erupted in the State on May 3, 2023 had failed to restore peace and instead intensified mistrust among communities.

He claimed that the deployment of nearly 60,000 Central security personnel in the State was not effectively aimed at ending the conflict, but alleged that the forces were being used to protect the proxy armed groups operating in the hill areas.

Dhiren further alleged that efforts were being made to weaken the unity among indigenous communities and create divisions between different ethnic groups.

He also accused the Government of favouring illegal immigrants while suppressing the concerns of indigenous people.

Stressing the importance of restoring trust and harmony, he said that peace could not be achieved merely through heavy security deployment and maintained that genuine reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki communities would only be possible through open communication and dialogue without external interference.

He further stated that trust and coexistence could only emerge when people from both communities are allowed to express themselves freely and engage in meaningful discussions.

Meanwhile, a similar sit-in protest was also organised on the same day at Hiyanglam Mayai Leikai Community Hall under the aegis of COCOMI in association with Chaokhat Khongthang Nupi Lup, Hiyanglam.