COCOMI has called a May 3 public convention to decide future agitation, terming the government’s response to its seven questions unsatisfactory, while women’s groups condemned the assault on activist Somorendjit during recent protests.
IMPHAL – The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity has announced that key decisions on the future course of agitation will be taken during a public convention on May 3, marking three years since the outbreak of the 2023 Manipur crisis, even as prominent women’s organisations strongly condemned the assault on a social activist during recent protests.
Addressing a press conference at Lamphelpat, COCOMI Convenor Dhiren said the meeting, titled “Manipur Peoples’ Convention on 3 Years of Manipur Crisis,” will deliberate on resolving the ongoing conflict and determine collective action going forward.
“Decisions will be taken during a public meeting on May 3. The response given by the government to the seven questions is unsatisfactory and does not reflect a clear position,” Dhiren said.
Convention to decide future course
Dhiren stated that the prolonged instability since May 3, 2023 continues to affect normalcy in the state, necessitating a broader public consultation. He said the convention will bring together Meira Paibi leaders, local representatives, intellectuals, and civil society organisations.
Similar deliberations, he added, will also be organised at district levels to widen participation and build consensus.
“The meeting will collectively decide the future course of action, including the nature of agitations to be launched,” he said.
He further noted that the government’s response to the seven-point memorandum submitted on April 25 was “brief and piecemeal,” and failed to provide clarity on key issues raised by the public.
According to him, any decision regarding engagement with the state government, including whether to accept its request for talks, will be taken only after consulting the public during the May 3 convention.
As part of the observance, the public has been urged to light lamps in their localities at 7 pm on May 3 in memory of those who lost their lives in the violence.
Women’s groups decry assault, call for unity
Meanwhile, leading women’s organisations, including Nupi Samaj, All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup, and ICHAL, have strongly condemned the assault on social activist Somorjit, a former president of DESAM, during the April 25 march at Khwairamband Keithel.
Speaking to reporters, representatives of the organisations demanded an immediate clarification on the circumstances leading to the attack.
“It must be clarified why Somorjit was assaulted during the agitation. If answers are not provided, mothers will express their anger,” a Nupi Samaj representative said.
Leaders of the groups questioned the circumstances under which the assault took place, particularly in a public space like Ima Keithel, which holds deep historical and cultural significance tied to the legacy of the Nupi Lan.
“A place known for the courage of women has now witnessed such an act. This reflects internal divisions that must be addressed,” an ICHAL leader said.
They also raised concerns over the spread of misinformation during the protest, alleging that rumours contributed to escalating tensions and triggering the incident.
AMKIL leaders cautioned against internal discord, stating that divisions within the community could weaken collective efforts at a time when the state is already facing serious challenges.
“Creating internal conflict among ourselves will only deepen the crisis and benefit those working against us,” an AMKIL leader said.
The organisations called for unity among women and the broader community, urging people to move forward with a shared resolve.
They also reiterated the demand for the state government to provide clear answers to the seven-point memorandum submitted by COCOMI, stressing that transparency and accountability are essential to restoring public trust.
The twin developments — the planned May 3 convention and the condemnation of the assault — highlight the growing public mobilisation and internal tensions within civil society as Manipur continues to grapple with the fallout of the prolonged conflict.
