The Manipur rally planned for October 31 will bring together the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and several tribal organisations in Imphal. The groups will demand the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, an end to the ongoing conflict and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). India Today NE+1
The organisers have also called for the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the state. The planned demonstration comes amid continuing tensions and concerns over civilian safety. Organisers say the rally aims to unite people from the hills and valley and press the authorities to take steps towards lasting peace. Largest Circulated NewsPaper in Manipur+1
Manipur Rally to Begin in Imphal on October 31
The Manipur rally will start at Tiddim Ground in Kwakeithel and proceed towards THAU Ground in Thangmeiband. Organisers have planned a public convention at the final venue to discuss the demands raised during the demonstration. Largest Circulated NewsPaper in Manipur+1
COCOMI convenor Y.K. Dhiren announced the programme during a press conference at the organisation’s office in Lamphelpat. He urged people from different communities to participate and raise their concerns through a peaceful, democratic movement.
The rally is being jointly organised by COCOMI, the Joint Tribe Council Manipur (JTCM), the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC), the Naga People’s Union, Imphal (NPUI), and the Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee Manipur (NHACM).
Moreover, the organisers want the demonstration to highlight the shared concerns of communities living in Manipur’s hills and valley. They have described the mobilisation as an effort to build solidarity while seeking government action on security and rehabilitation.
Manipur Rally Puts SoO Agreement Under Scrutiny
The Suspension of Operations agreement is a key issue behind the planned Manipur rally. Signed in 2008, the tripartite arrangement involved the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki militant groups represented by two umbrella organisations: the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF). India News+1
The agreement established a framework intended to suspend hostilities and support peace negotiations. However, its continuation has faced opposition from organisations that argue it has failed to ensure civilian safety.
Importantly, the agreement expired on September 4, 2026, and had not been renewed as of October 23, according to Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam. Therefore, the current demand concerns formal abrogation and the future of the arrangement, rather than the cancellation of an agreement that remains in force. Telegraph India+1
COCOMI and its partners have alleged that armed groups covered by the former agreement have contributed to insecurity. These allegations reflect the organisers’ position and should not be treated as established findings against any entire community.
Meanwhile, the authorities have continued security operations and investigations into recent violence. The government’s approach and the status of the former agreement remain important issues in the wider debate over restoring peace.
Manipur Rally Seeks Security Changes and IDP Rehabilitation
Beyond the SoO issue, the Manipur rally will raise demands concerning security deployment and displaced families. Organisers want Assam Rifles withdrawn from the state, arguing that a different security arrangement is needed to address public concerns. Manipur Update+1
They also want internally displaced persons to return to their homes and villages. Thousands of people have faced disruption since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023, affecting housing, livelihoods, education and access to essential services.
For displaced families, rehabilitation involves more than returning to their original locations. It also requires adequate security, safe living conditions and confidence that renewed violence will not force them to flee again.
Additionally, the organisers have called for an end to what they describe as a proxy war against Manipur’s indigenous communities. The government has not accepted that characterisation as an established fact.
The rally will provide a platform for participants to communicate these concerns and seek a response from the authorities.
Manipur Rally Gains Support From Naga Organisations
Support for the Manipur rally has also come from the United Naga Council (UNC), which endorsed the proposed mobilisation. The council announced plans for simultaneous peaceful sit-in protests or solidarity rallies at Naga district headquarters on October 31, beginning at 11 am. RuralPost+1
The UNC has backed demands to end the former SoO arrangement, withdraw Assam Rifles and address security concerns. Its endorsement adds another layer of participation to the planned demonstrations.
However, the rally’s wider significance will depend on how authorities respond to the demands and whether the mobilisation remains peaceful. Organisers have appealed to the public to participate in a democratic manner.
Government Response and the Road Ahead
The October 31 demonstration comes at a sensitive time for Manipur, where competing security concerns and tensions between communities continue to challenge efforts to restore normalcy.
The public convention at THAU Ground is expected to discuss the issues raised during the rally. Organisers have said they will forward the resolutions adopted at the meeting to the Government of India for action. Largest Circulated NewsPaper in Manipur+1
Ultimately, the Manipur rally will test the ability of civil society groups to build collective pressure around security, displaced families and the future of the SoO framework. Any lasting improvement, however, will require effective law enforcement, dialogue and measures that protect civilians across communities.