IT News
Imphal, June 9:
Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has demanded increased security measures and accountability following the recent arson attack and the burning of a police post in Jiribam.
During a press conference, COCOMI Coordinator Thokchom Somorendro revealed that the need to increase the strength of security forces at Jiribam, particularly the India Reserve Battalion (IRB), by increasing the number of personnel and bolstering the strength of the Superintendent of Police (SP) and increasing the number of police outposts, had been communicated to relevant authorities earlier. However, no action was taken, he added.
COCOMI has accused the authorities of neglecting their duties and attributed the violence to a larger strategy of proxy warfare allegedly waged by India. Drawing parallels to previous incidents in Serou and Moreh, he pointed out a recurring pattern: first, security forces would evacuate people from villages, and then the homes would be burnt later by armed Kukis. He accused the Assam Rifles of facilitating these actions.
COCOMI asserted that even though state forces are being sent, “we hear that they are not being allowed to enter the affected areas by Assam Rifles.” The organization questioned the effectiveness of sending state forces if evacuated residents cannot return to their homes.
COCOMI also raised concerns about the status of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants. Despite the agreement, there have been ongoing attacks on the public. COCOMI demanded clarity on the current state of the SoO and questioned why the militants continue to engage in violence.
Lastly, Thokchom Somorendro has criticized the current focus of ministers and leaders on the swearing-in ceremony of the new government at the center, stating that they only act under public pressure.
