IT News
Imphal, June 20:
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a statement raising the issue against the exclusion of the Chief Minister of Manipur from the high level meeting stating that law and order is state subject. The statement also termed the ongoing conflict as a war against the state waged by narco-terrorists.
The organization asserts that these actions, recognized as nefarious by the public, are a deliberate attempt to disrupt peace and harmony in Manipur. The turmoil began with the ATSUM rally on May 3, marking the genesis of the current unrest.
According to COCOMI, historically, various demands from multiple groups have necessitated intervention from both state and central authorities, but these issues had never escalated to ethnic violence. The recent disturbances, however, have been unprecedented.
The initial acts of aggression included the torching of an open gym in Churachandpur and the demolition of several forest offices by Kuki militants. These militants then targeted Meitei properties, resulting in widespread destruction, killings, and torture. In response, Meitei groups have taken measures to protect their community.
COCOMI emphasized that this conflict is not an inter-community clash but a matter of state security. The state government had previously acknowledged its intelligence failure as a contributing factor to the violence. Following this, COCOMI, along with the Manipur Rifles, Assam Rifles, and CRPF, facilitated the transportation of people from both sides to ensure community safety and prevent further conflict.
The organization also highlighted that the state’s efforts in poppy eradication, forest conservation, and screening illegal immigration have exacerbated the conflict. Both state and central leaders have acknowledged external aggression influencing local unrest, labeling these actions as significant threats. This was reiterated by the Home Minister during a Parliament session on August 9, 2023, and by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in Seoul on March 5.
In response to the ongoing conflict, the state government sought extensive assistance from the central government, resulting in the deployment of numerous central forces to the region.
However, these forces have been criticized for their ineffectiveness in supporting the Manipur Police, which has hindered efforts to manage the situation.
“This is nothing but a war against the state by narco-terrorists,” COCOMI declared.
According to COCOMI, a high-level security meeting was convened by the Union Home Minister on June 16 to address the disturbances. Notably, the Chief Minister of Manipur was absent, a move that effectively diminished the state administration’s role in these critical discussions. Moreover, law and order is a state subject. Therefore, this undermines the state government’s authority rendering the state as non-entity.
There have been confirmed reports of cross-border insurgents infiltrating and destabilizing local communities. Drone footage has shown these insurgents moving freely across the border. Additionally, there is information that the Assam Rifles brought in Burmese insurgents for treatment at JNIMS, COCOMI stated.
COCOMI, in the statement, has emphasized the historical significance of Manipur, a land with a history spanning thousands of years, now facing attempts by certain groups to divide its boundaries. “This effort to divide our state is deeply concerning. In response, COCOMI, along with the people, will firmly oppose this attempt. We call upon all our citizens to stand united and resolute in this critical time,” the statement read.