COCOMI accuses Centre of waging proxy war
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 29 2024: Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) announced a state-wide campaign to foster unity and understanding within the community while also pressing forward a charter of demands, during a press conference held in Imphal on Friday.

Addressing the media, COCOMI coordinator Thokchom Somorendro accused the Central government of orchestrating a proxy war targeting the Meetei community and called for an immediate halt while urging the 50 MLAs to unite, cutting across party lines, to stand firm against the alleged central policies.

Somorendro criticised the so-called "double-engine government" claiming it has failed to address the state's crisis.

He held union home minister Amit Shah accountable for the situation, declaring a boycott of Amit Shah by the people of Manipur until normalcy is restored.

The Kuki community stands united in their demands, with the 10 Kuki MLAs working in tandem under the leadership of ITLF and CoTU, he noted.

In contrast, the coordinator pointed out the Meetei community's lack of unity at all levels, blaming short-sightedness and internal divisions for the community's inability to respond effectively to the ongoing crisis.

To address this, COCOMI announced the launch of "Eikhoi Wakhal Taminnasi" campaign from the first week of December.

Somorendro urged civil society organisations (CSOs), Meira Paibis, and the public to join the campaign and also to continue organising various forms of protests.

In his appeal, Somorendro called on all stakeholders, including CSOs, Meira Paibis, and the public, to support COCOMI's campaign and demands.

He stressed that united action was essential to safeguard Manipur's territorial integrity and protect the interests of its indigenous people.

The demands raised by COCOMI include immediate dismissal of two Kuki-Zo ministers from the council of ministers; declaration of all Kuki militant groups operating in the state as unlawful; ensuring the safe reopening of all National Highways in Manipur for unhindered vehicular movement; immediate withdrawal of the order re-imposing AFSPA from areas under six police stations; unconditional release of all arrested protestors; and resolving the involuntary disappearance case of Laishram Kamalbabu.

Regarding the disappearance of Kamalbabu from inside the Leimakhong Army camp, Somorendro accused the Army of inaction and demanded that the GoC 57th Mountain Division ensure Kamalbabu's safe return.

Failure to do so, he warned, could provoke widespread demonstrations against the Army.

Joining the media briefing, COCOMI women's wing coordinator Leirikleima expressed deep frustration over the incident.

"We used to trust the Army, but that trust has eroded.

If Kamalbabu is not returned alive, we will launch a massive women's movement," she warned.

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