The Manipur rally scheduled for October 31 will bring together the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and like-minded organisations to demand the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The proposed mobilisation in Imphal comes amid renewed protests over civilian killings and continuing security concerns across the state.
COCOMI announced the rally on October 22 during a sit-in protest at Lamphelpat, Imphal. The organisation has called for an end to what it describes as a proxy war in Manipur. Meanwhile, Naga civil society groups and other community organisations have voiced concerns over the prolonged conflict and demanded stronger government action.
Manipur rally to press for SoO pact abrogation
The October 31 Manipur rally forms part of a broader protest campaign launched by COCOMI and its supporting organisations. The groups want the state and central governments to take concrete steps to restore peace and protect civilians.
COCOMI convenor YK Dhiren announced the proposed mobilisation during the protest outside the United Committee Manipur office at Lamphelpat. He said the campaign would include democratic forms of protest, such as sit-ins and torch rallies, across the hill and valley areas.
Moreover, COCOMI has argued that the existing security arrangements have failed to prevent repeated violence. The organisation wants the government to address public concerns and ensure accountability for attacks on civilians.
However, its claims about a wider proxy war represent the organisation’s position and should not be treated as independently established facts.
Tribal bodies join the protest campaign
The proposed Manipur rally has received support from several organisations representing different communities. The Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) and the Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee Manipur (NHACM) participated in the October 22 protest alongside COCOMI.
NHACM co-convenor Amana Thaimei called for a swift response from the authorities. She expressed concern over the continuing difficulties faced by indigenous communities and urged the government to take effective measures to resolve the crisis.
Additionally, the Meetei Council Moreh and the Committee on Protection of Meetei Victims, Moreh, have endorsed COCOMI’s call for sustained agitation. Both organisations have indicated their support for public protests demanding peace and the return of displaced residents to their homes.
The participation of these groups reflects growing pressure on the authorities to address security concerns. Nevertheless, their support for the campaign does not establish that all communities in Manipur share the same position on the SoO agreement.
Recent killings intensify public anger
The planned Manipur rally follows renewed protests after three civilians were killed while reportedly collecting firewood near Sunurok in Imphal East district on October 19.
The killings triggered demonstrations in several locations, with protesters demanding justice for the victims and stronger measures to protect civilians. COCOMI convenor Dhiren alleged that Kuki militants were responsible and criticised the government’s handling of the security situation.
Police subsequently arrested three men suspected of involvement in the killings, according to media reports. The allegations against the suspects remain distinct from a final determination of responsibility.
Meanwhile, the incident has deepened public concerns about safety in areas affected by the prolonged conflict. Protesters have urged both the state and central governments to investigate attacks and prevent further civilian casualties.
SoO agreement remains a central issue
The Suspension of Operations agreement has remained a major point of contention since ethnic violence erupted between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3, 2023.
The tripartite arrangement involving the Union government, the Manipur government and Kuki-Zo armed groups dates back to 2008. It established a framework for suspending hostilities and monitoring participating groups under agreed conditions.
However, the agreement’s status has become increasingly contentious. Reports published in October 2026 stated that the pact expired in September and had not been extended.
The reported expiry does not, by itself, establish that the government has formally abrogated the arrangement.
COCOMI and its supporters continue to argue that the government must take stronger action against armed groups and address concerns about compliance with the agreement.
Government response and the road ahead
The October 31 Manipur rally is expected to increase pressure on authorities to respond to demands for civilian protection, accountability and lasting peace.
Organisers have also called for action to address the wider conflict and help internally displaced people return to their homes. However, the scale of participation and the government’s response remain uncertain ahead of the scheduled demonstration.
Ultimately, restoring public confidence will require effective security measures, credible investigations into civilian killings and sustained efforts to reduce tensions between communities. The authorities will also need to communicate clearly about the status of the SoO agreement and the steps planned to prevent further violence.
As the rally approaches, the central challenge remains the same: translating public demands into practical measures that protect civilians and support a durable peace across Manipur.
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