The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced that its ongoing statewide agitation will continue throughout December until all internally displaced persons (IDPs) are fully resettled.

The declaration came after another day of intense demonstrations, during which hundreds of IDPs from various relief camps staged a sit-in in front of the historic Kangla Fort, demanding a dignified return to their homes. The demonstrators later marched to Uripok Achom Leikai in Imphal West, where a public meeting was held under COCOMI’s banner.

Following the meeting, COCOMI resolved to sustain and intensify agitation across different parts of the state, insisting that they would not back down until the government fulfills its commitment.

Speaking to the media, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba recalled that the Manipur government, currently under President’s Rule, had earlier assured that IDPs from peripheral areas would be resettled by December 31. He expressed disappointment over the lack of visible action, despite the month of December beginning shortly. Athouba said IDPs, backed by the public, would continue asserting their right to return to their native villages within this year.

He also criticised the government for going ahead with the Sangai Festival despite repeated appeals from IDPs urging authorities to prioritise resettlement over celebrations. He said many felt it was inappropriate to hold a festival when thousands remain displaced amid a humanitarian crisis.

With the festival concluding today, Athouba reaffirmed that COCOMI, along with IDPs and the broader public, will push forward with renewed determination. “From tomorrow onward, the countdown begins. Throughout December, various forms of protest will continue to ensure the resettlement of IDPs,” he said, calling for solidarity from the people of Manipur to secure the rightful return of displaced families.