No respite in arson, attacks despite deployment of troops : COCOMI
'Peripheral areas have become sitting ducks'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27 2023:
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has expressed regret over the unabated gunfights, attacks on Meitei civilians and torching down of houses in the peripheral areas of the valley districts by Kuki militants aided by Myanmerese immigrants despite strong deployment of State and Central armed forces.
Contrary to the claim of the State Government and the measures being put in place, there is no improvement in the situation in the areas bordering hill and valley districts, said COCOMI in a statement.
The Centre is well aware of the situation with MoS (Home) Nityananda Rai having taken first hand accounts of affected districts and with Chief of Army and the subordinates visiting the State, it said and added the Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also visiting the State on May 29.What steps the Government takes up next is what is awaited, it added.
COCOMI also sought continued help for the volunteers guarding their villages from the rampaging Kuki militants.
Rampant attacks on hapless villagers continue at the periphery areas, said COCOMI and added this is all due to the failure of Imphal and Delhi.
It would not be suprising if the rage of the people turn on the Government, it added.
It also warned of a series of agitation if their demands for abrogating the SoO pact with Kuki militants is not heard.
COCOMI also demanded rehabilitation of Meitei residents at Moreh be started at the earliest by installing a battalion of State force and 5-10 platoons of police commandos.
It also made a public appeal to make sure that no abuse or harassment is meted out to fellow Naga folks and the smaller communities who are neither affiliated to Naga nor Kuki groups.
It is highly possible that some vested interest individuals or groups may use Meitei names to put Meiteis in the wrong light, spew venom and incite communal hatred, it said while appealing all communities to be very alert and make best effort to prevent spread of rumours and communally charged fake contents.
COCOMI also condemned the involvement of three Rapid Action Force personnel in arson at Namdulong Kabui Khul in Imphal during such a tense period and demanded appropriate action be taken up against these personnel.
Raising demands for abrogation of SoO pacts with Kuki militants and other measures, sit-ins were staged at 17 locations by local organisations under the aegis of COCOMI today, it said.
The organisations and localities as listed in the release include Social Education Voluntary Athletic Club, Thongju Local Development Society, Students' Welfare Committee, Youth Welfare Club, Yoibu Yoihen Lup, Thongju Chigonglei Makhong Development Club, Ningomthong Youth Voluntary Organisation, Divine Club, Modern Science Club, Rising Sun Club, Kha-Ningomthong Social Organisation, Kangleicha Yaipha Lamjing Lup, United Social Amateur Club, Young Development Association, Lamdaibung Social Welfare Club, Netaji Memorial Club Khurai Tinsid Road and Lilong Chajing Mairen Khul.