Protests erupt across Manipur; Meira rallies condemn Army Chief’s remarks

Meira rallies were held on October 4 in various locations across Manipur, condemning the comments made by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi regarding the ongoing crisis in the state. Thousands of protesters, predominantly women, participated in these demonstrations, brandishing traditional Meira torches and demanding an immediate cessation to the violence that has engulfed the region.

The rallies featured impassioned slogans, including calls to "STOP INDIA'S PROXY WAR AGAINST MEETEI!" and "GO BACK CENTRAL SECURITY FORCES!" Participants expressed their outrage over what they perceive as a systematic attempt to marginalize the Meitei community, with slogans like "STOP INDIA'S POLICY OF OBLITERATING MEETEI!" echoing through the streets.

General Dwivedi's remarks were made during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, where he addressed the unrest in Manipur. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) quickly criticized his statements as “false,” arguing that they demonstrate a disconnect between the Indian military and the people of Manipur. COCOMI alleged that such comments reflect an inability to recognize the Meitei community as integral members of the nation.