Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) residing in relief camps across Manipur since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, launched a month-long protest today at Lamboikhongnangkhong in Imphal West. The demonstrators are demanding that the government fulfil its assurance to facilitate their return to their homes within December.

The protest is being supported by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). A team led by COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba joined the IDPs on the first day of the agitation.

Addressing the gathering, Athouba reminded that government authorities, in the presence of the Governor, had earlier assured that all displaced families would be able to return to their respective localities by December. “Today is the first day of December, and the countdown begins. We will continue our protest every single day until the end of the month,” he said.

He further cautioned that if the present administration fails to ensure the safe return and resettlement of IDPs at their original homes by the end of December, COCOMI, along with the displaced persons and the people of Manipur, may be compelled to intensify the agitation.

Hundreds of IDPs participated in the demonstration, holding placards and raising their long-standing demand for rehabilitation and restoration of normalcy in their native areas. Organisers stated that the protest will continue throughout the month unless the authorities take concrete steps toward resolving the issue.