COCOMI takes correct narrative to UNHRC
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 12 2024:
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has presented an authentic account of the Manipur conflict before the global audience at the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, asserted COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba.
Notably, the COCOMI spokesperson participated in the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council held at Geneva from February 26 to April 5 .
Addressing a press conference today at COCOMI office, Lamphelpat, Khuraijam Athouba asserted that COCOMI had successfully refuted/clarified instances of misinformation which were circulated in connection with the conflict, including the resolution of the European Union Parliament which was based on falsehoods.
Stating that he was able to attend four UN sessions, Khuraijam Athouba said that he explicitly informed them that the conflict was a fallout of "Chin-Kuki narco terrorism", leading to the displacement of over 70,000 people in the State with thousands more being affected indirectly.
Addressing the large influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar and the failure of the State and Central Governments to keep an accurate count, he made an appeal before the UN to figure out the number of illegal immigrants as per the UN Refugee Policy and take further appropriate actions.
He also expressed suspicions that the India Government launched a "proxy war" under the guise of the Suspension of Operation agreement, which may negatively impact the rights of indigenous communities in the State in the future.
Issues of cross-border trade in drugs and other illicit items, large scale cultivation of poppy, arms trade, demand for NRC in Assam, the plight of indigenous community in Tripura and immigration of people from Chin State in Myanmar to various North Eastern states via Mizoram were also addressed before the global audience during Athouba's speech.
In addition, he submitted a report about the huge amounts of drugs seized from Assam, Mizoram and Manipur during the last six months.
Athouba said that he had collected information from the people and presented them as a report before the UN.
COCOMI also clarified the misinformation spread by "Kuki propagandists" that Hindus were persecuting Christians in the Manipur conflict, said Athouba.
He propounded before the UN that the conflict was a result of the India Government's lax attitude towards cross border narco-terrorism and had no connection with any religious elements.
Presently, COCOMI is making arrangements to hold talks with UN groups such as International Council of Jurist, Forum Asia, Centre for Civil and Political Rights and Amnesty International regarding the Manipur conflict, said Athouba.
Viewing the conflict in Myanmar and issues in Bangladesh and other North Eastern states through a bigger lens, the Manipur crisis has become an international issue, said Kh Athouba.
Thus, without UN intervention, the rights of the indigenous communities and their future in Manipur will be under grave threat.
At the UN session, Athouba also appealed to the UN to send a Special Rapporteur to conduct a detailed, independent investigation and draft a report.
It is worth pointing out that COCOMI representatives will also participate in the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights set to be held during the first week of June at UN Headquarters.
The press conference was also attended by Somorendro Thokchom, coordinator, COCOMI and Joychandra Konthoujam, assistant coordinator, COCOMI.