COCOMI presents critical issues to MHA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 27 2025: A seven-member delegation of COCOMI held talks with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) at New Delhi today and they highlighted several critical issues requiring immediate attention and urgent intervention from the Government to alleviate the suffering of the people of Manipur.

While the COCOMI delegation was led by its convenor Khuraijam Athouba, the MHA was represented by AK Mishra, Advisor to the MHA on North East Affairs and Rajesh Kamble, Joint Director, MHA .

The two-hour-long meeting focused on key concerns surrounding the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

COCOMI presents critical issues to MHA

The resolution adopted at the People's Convention held on May 3, 2025 was extensively deliberated upon and COCOMI urged the MHA to acknowledge the public mandate and take steps to formally take the resolutions to higher levels of the Government of India.

The COCOMI delegation conveyed the strong sentiments and demands of the people regarding the Gwaltabi issue.

The MHA officials assured that the matter has been noted for necessary Governmental action.

Reaffirming the stand taken during the People's Convention, COCOMI clarified that it will engage exclusively with the Government of India on all matters related to the Manipur crisis.

It reiterated its rejection of the legitimacy of SoO groups and engaging with the innocent Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar civilians who are the genuine citizens of the State shall be handled accordingly after sorting out the anti-peace elements.

The COCOMI delegates expressed deep concern over the growing threats posed by narco-terrorism, cross border illegal immigration including widespread illegal opium cultivation, rampant forest encroachment, and the deteriorating law and order situation.

The delegation highlighted that proceeds from these illicit activities are being used to fund armed groups led by foreign-based individuals.

Alarmingly, these groups have been in political dialogue with the Govt of India since 2008 and continue to receive financial support and shelter under the banner of the peace process, the COCOMI delegates told the MHA officials.

They appealed to the Government of India to urgently review its engagement with these groups.

The delegation also highlighted several critical issues requiring immediate attention and urgent intervention from the Government to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.

They include ensuring free movement of people, safeguarding farmers' right to cultivation along with appropriate compensation for their losses, protection of sacred religious sites, justice for missing persons, and the resettlement and redressal of grievances of internally displaced persons (IDPs) .

Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to peace and its willingness to cooperate in all genuine efforts to restore normalcy, COCOMI urged the Centre to take prompt and effective action against anti-peace elements that continue to undermine peace initiatives.

Both sides agreed to maintain communication and continue dialogue in the future, with a shared goal of restoring peace and stability in Manipur at the earliest.