IMPHAL, Dec 1: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Sunday announced that it will intensify its statewide agitation throughout December until all internally displaced persons (IDPs) are fully resettled. The declaration came after another day of widespread protests demanding a dignified return for thousands displaced since last year’s unrest.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of IDPs from multiple relief camps held a sit-in demonstration in front of the iconic Kangla Fort, urging the government to fulfil its assurance of resettling families by December 31. The protestors later marched to Uripok Achom Leikai in Imphal West, where a public meeting was held under COCOMI’s banner.

During the meeting, COCOMI resolved to sustain and escalate various forms of agitation across Manipur throughout December. Convenor Khuraijam Athouba reiterated that the government, currently under President’s Rule administration, had promised resettlement of IDPs from peripheral areas within this year, but no visible progress had been made despite the month of December beginning tomorrow.

Addressing the media, Athouba criticised the government’s decision to continue with the Sangai Festival despite persistent protests from displaced families. He said it was insensitive to host celebrations when thousands continue to live in temporary shelters. He added that repeated appeals by IDPs to prioritise resettlement over festivities were ignored.

With the Sangai Festival concluding today, COCOMI said the agitation would enter a more determined phase. “From tomorrow, the countdown begins. Throughout December, various forms of protest will continue to ensure that the resettlement of IDPs becomes a reality,” Athouba stated, calling for public solidarity in restoring the displaced families to their homes.