COCOMI commits to greater political autonomy
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 26 2022:
The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has pledged that they would work to secure greater political autonomy for Manipur and resolve issues arising out of influx of non-local people to the State.
Newly elected members of COCOMI's executive body were inducted at a ceremony held at Lamlai Silheipung, Imphal East today.
Speaking at the ceremony, newly elected Coordinator Jitendra Ningomba said that Manipur needs greater political autonomy and special status for collective development of all the communities.
Of the many issues which have been plaguing the State since a long time back, the threat posed to indigenous communities by unlawful influx of non-local people is a very serious one, Jitendra said.
Jitendra who is also the president of the Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) said that the incessant influx of non-local people has been posing a serious threat to the indigenous communities of the land by upsetting the State's demographic balance.
Earlier, the United Naga Council (UNC) and the COCOMI submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister of Manipur to set up the State Population Commission, update the National Register of Citizens and deport unlawful immigrants residing in the State.
Saying that COCOMI has been working to strengthen the integrity of Manipur and foster deeper relationships among all communities of the State, the COCOMI Coordinator said that there are plans of organising cultural exchange programmes among the indigenous communities.
COCOMI would fight in the forefront if any indigenous community of the land is denied the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
At the same time, COCOMI would not remain silent if the territorial integrity and emotional integrity of Manipur are challenged in the process of demanding political rights by some communities/groups, the COCOMI Coordinator asserted.Non-local people would continue to take undue advantage until conflict of interests among the indigenous communities are communicated and resolved, he said.
Outgoing Coordinator Longjam Ratankumar said that the COCOMI executive body comprises 14 members and they represent different CSOs.
He said that CCSK president Jitendra Ningomba, UCM president Joychandra Konthoujam and LIPUN president Somorendro Thokchom have been appointed as COCOMI's Coordinator, finance secretary and media coordinator respectively.