COCOMI, IDPs meet Manipur Governor, demand safe return by 2025 deadline
Imphal: Representatives of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and internally displaced persons (IDPs) called on the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Lok Bhavan, Imphal, on January 12, 2026.
According to a communique issued by Lok Bhavan, they shared broad concerns regarding the situation of IDPs and raised various issues requiring attention. Discussions also touched upon matters linked to arrangements in certain areas adjoining the Valley and the Hills.
The governor listened to the delegation and noted that steps related to resettlement and rehabilitation are already underway. He reiterated that efforts are being taken to facilitate the safe and gradual return of IDPs. The Chief Secretary and Commissioner (Home) were also present during the interaction.
The COCOMI convenor, Khuraijam Athouba, who led the 11-member delegation, told the media after the meeting that the governor had assured them of measures for the betterment of the IDPs and their demands. He said the response to this issue would be provided in black and white on January 13. In response to a query from a media representative, the COCOMI convenor stated that the meeting was successful, but the situation remained “wait and see.”
Additionally, COCOMI, along with IDPs, had submitted a memorandum to the Manipur Governor on December 31, 2025. This memorandum was part of a month-long series of daily submissions that began on December 1, 2025, aiming to press the government for a clear, written, and time-bound plan for the safe and dignified resettlement of displaced persons.
The primary demand of the memorandum was for the government to honor its earlier assurance to resettle all IDPs in their original homes by December 2025.
The failure to receive a response by the December 31 deadline prompted COCOMI and IDPs to conduct a peaceful march toward Lok Bhavan (the Governor's official residence) on January 12, 2026, to demand accountability and a progress report.