Imphal, April 25, 2026: The Government of Manipur has appealed to the public to maintain restraint and engage in dialogue amid continuing tensions in the state, urging civil groups to participate in discussions with the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).
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| Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand, flanked by Deputy CM Losi Dikho and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, addresses the media in Imphal, urging dialogue with COCOMI amid ongoing tensions. |
Addressing the media at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand urged agitators to suspend protests, stating that ongoing demonstrations are affecting students and daily wage earners. He reiterated that the government remains open to discussions and encouraged all parties to choose dialogue over agitation.
The Chief Minister also informed that the state administration is in constant contact with the families of victims and is making all efforts to apprehend those responsible for the recent incident at Tronglaobi.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the Chief Minister had listened to grievances and expectations expressed by different groups during the meeting before interacting with them. The press conference was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho.
Konthoujam noted that the government was aware of COCOMI’s peaceful rally on April 25 and its earlier decision to boycott the observance of Khongjom Day. He added that an earlier invitation for talks on April 22 had been declined.
During the rally, COCOMI representatives met the Chief Minister and submitted a memorandum expressing concerns over alleged threats to indigenous communities and what they described as “proxy war” conditions in the state. Responding to the concerns, Konthoujam described the issues as sensitive and complex, while reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding all communities and maintaining law and order.
The Home Minister further stated that investigations into the Tronglaobi blast and another killing incident have been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with teams already deployed for the probe.
On the reported killing of three civilians allegedly involving personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Konthoujam described the incident as unfortunate and said further examination was required.
Addressing concerns about internally displaced persons (IDPs), the minister said resettlement efforts are ongoing but have slowed due to reduced security deployment after some central forces were reassigned. He acknowledged a trust deficit among communities and said the government is taking steps to address it.
Regarding demands to abrogate the Suspension of Operations agreement (SoO) with militant groups, Konthoujam clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, although the state has conveyed its position. On the issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), he said the process to identify undocumented migrants has already begun and will continue in coordination with the Centre.
Reiterating the need for dialogue, the Home Minister urged COCOMI to participate in talks, stating that cooperation from all sides is essential to restore peace and minimize disruption to students’ academic future.
