Imphal : A massive rally was held in Manipur today, resonating with calls to preserve the state’s territorial integrity amidst the ongoing crisis.

The demonstrators made several demands, including the cessation of what they perceive as India’s attempts to exterminate indigenous communities in Manipur and the end of the divide-and-rule policy. They called for the eradication of narco-terrorism and the expulsion of infiltrators involved in narcotics from outside the country.

Additionally, they demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with narco-terrorists and the expedited implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The protesters also opposed the disarming or recovering of arms before the end of violent conflicts and called for a halt to combing operations until armed confrontations with narco-terrorists have ceased.

Organized by the Coordinating Committee of Manipur Integrity, the protest saw thousands of participants from diverse backgrounds marching from Imphal’s THAU Ground to Khuman Lampak under the banner “Manipur Kanba Khongchate” (to protect and safeguard Manipur).

Chants of “Long Live Manipur,” “Don’t Disintegrate Manipur,” and “Manipur Mother Outshine All” echoed through the streets as demonstrators urged for an immediate resolution to the crisis without compromising the state’s territorial integrity.

Among the protesters were two Meitei MLAs, Sapam Nishikanta and Thangjam Arun, who joined the march to show their support.The rally highlighted the collective determination of the people of Manipur to safeguard their homeland and maintain its unity in the face of ongoing challenges.

Endorsing the collective voice against the disintegration of Manipur, independent MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh participated in a protest rally today, organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).

“Today I have come here to give my full support from the core of my heart to keep Manipur intact. We are here to make sure that Manipur never breaks down” asserted Nishikanta, affirming his commitment to preserving the territorial integrity of Manipur.

He emphasized that Manipur is a land inhabited by various communities, both from the hills and the valley. “People of the state should live together and cannot be broken by any factor,” he stated.

Nishikanta also advocated for the effective and sincere implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address the influx of illegal immigrants, highlighting the need for stringent measures to protect the state’s demographic integrity.

COCOMI had called on all sections of society to participate in today’s protest rally. Despite this call, only MLA Sapam Nishikanta Singh and MLA Thangjam Arun were seen among the protesting legislators and ministers.

The rally showcased the widespread concern over Manipur’s potential disintegration and the united front presented by the state’s citizens.