Internally displaced persons living in relief camps across Manipur have begun a month-long protest, urging the government to fulfil its commitment to facilitate their return home by the end of December. The demonstration started on December 1 at Lamboikhongnangkhong in Imphal West, drawing widespread participation from displaced families.
COCOMI extended full support to the agitation, with a team led by Convenor Khuraijam Athouba joining the protesters on the opening day. Addressing the gathering, Athouba recalled that authorities — in the presence of the Governor — had previously assured that all displaced households would be able to go back to their original localities before the year’s end.
He noted that with December beginning, the timeline promised by the government has now come under close public watch. He asserted that the protest would continue every day until December 31, stressing that any failure to ensure safe return and resettlement could lead to a stronger public movement.
Hundreds of displaced residents participated in the day’s protest, holding placards demanding rehabilitation, restoration of normalcy, and concrete measures from the authorities. Organisers said the agitation would continue throughout the month unless the government initiates substantial action to meet the December deadline.
