A seven-member delegation from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) will depart Imphal for New Delhi tomorrow to engage in talks with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on May 27.

Speaking to reporters at the committee’s Lamphelpat office, COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba said the decision to initiate direct dialogue with the Centre was made during a public convention held at Khuman Lampak on May 3. Although the move was temporarily delayed due to the Pahalgam terror attack, worsening conditions in Manipur prompted the committee to proceed in accordance with the people’s mandate.

Athouba emphasized that COCOMI will not engage with any other stakeholders until it has met with central authorities. He confirmed that the MHA’s invitation had been accepted and the delegation plans to raise several urgent issues during the talks.

While the original agenda centered on addressing the political and security crisis in Manipur, recent incidents have broadened the scope of discussions. Among them is the May 20 Gwaltabi incident, in which journalists were reportedly harassed by security forces. The subsequent crackdown on protests has sparked widespread public anger.

COCOMI condemned the use of tear gas and mock bombs on peaceful demonstrators—including women and the elderly—during a protest held in Imphal earlier today. The committee is now demanding a public apology from the Governor, accountability for the use of excessive force, and the immediate removal of the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and the Security Advisor, citing their failures under President’s Rule.

While the delegation conducts talks in Delhi, COCOMI’s Women’s and Student Wings, along with other members, will continue public demonstrations across the state to maintain pressure on the government.