Thousands of people from different walks of life took part in “Save Manipur” rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Saturday reaffirming collective stand on protecting the territorial integrity of the state. The rally started from Tiddim Ground, Kwakeithel and culminated at Thau Ground, Thangmeiband covering a distance of 5 km. They raised slogans and held placards that read “No compromise to Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity,” “No attempts should be made to divide Manipur,” and “Resettle the IDPs to their home”. The protesters also included non-Manipuris, Meitei Pangals and from Naga community, along with Meiteis. “We are participating in this rally to reiterate our stand that Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity must not be broken at any cost. We cannot compromise on this,” said Bidyaluxmi Oinam.
Another demonstrator, Khagembam Surjit, said, “The land of Manipur was built by our forefathers, and not by illegal immigrants from Myanmar.” The protesters also demanded the Government of India to address security concerns and restore normalcy, while reiterating calls for safeguarding the state’s unity and sovereignty. Security has been tightened across the capital in view of the rally.
