COCOMI flays selective enforcement of law
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 17 2025: While strongly condemning the firing and bombing that took place at Torbung, Bishnupur district at around 8.30 pm on December 16, 2025 which terrorised innocent civilians and violated fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has decried that there is a growing perception of selective enforcement of rule of law in the State of Manipur.

According to credible reports, armed persons suspected to be affiliated with Kuki militant elements carried out indiscriminate firing and explosive attacks in civilian areas, causing widespread fear, endangering lives, and inflicting a serious threat to the safety and security of local communities, the COCOMI said in a statement.

Such acts of violence directly contravene the Constitution of India, particularly the Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21) for all citizens and strike at the very foundation of constitutional governance and democratic order, it said.

Violent intimidation undermines the rule of law, disrupts public order (Article 19), and imperils social harmony, it said.

What exacerbates this grave situation is the public statement issued by Ginza Vualzong, a leader of the Kuki-Zo Council, in which he justified and rationalised the attack, made inflammatory allegations, and statements likely to provoke further unrest and incite violence, COCOMI pointed out.

A statement issued by Ginza Vualzong, Secretary, Information and Publicity, Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) alleged that the decision of the Bishnupur DC to flag off resettlement of Meitei IDPs in the so called Torbung buffer zone was deeply irresponsible and provocative.

He said that allowing Meitei IDPs to resettle in the so-called buffer zone amounted to inviting renewed conflict.

The Kuki-Zo council rejects any attempt to blame the Kuki-Zo for tensions arising from unilateral administrative actions and violations of the so-called buffer zone protocol, Ginza Vualzong said.

COCOMI said it views such public defence of armed violence as an affront to Constitutional values and democratic norms.

Statements that morally endorse acts of terrorism threaten public safety, embolden armed actors, and may constitute criminal incitement and abetment under Indian law, it pointed out.

COCOMI has sought immediate attention of the State to applicable provisions under Indian law, including but not limited to: Indian Penal Code, 1860 - criminal conspiracy, waging war against the State, promoting enmity, public mischief, abetment, attempt to murder, use of dangerous weapons; Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 - Unlawful and terrorist acts, conspiracy, abetment; Arms Act, 1959 - Illegal possession and use of firearms and Explosive Substances Act, 1908 - causing explosions endangering life and property.

These statutes reflect India's Constitutional commitment - expressed through legislative safeguards - to protect citizens, uphold public order, and counter unlawful armed violence but armed groups continue to operate with apparent impunity in Churachandpur areas.

Leaders who publicly justify violence face no visible deterrents and there is a growing perception of selective enforcement, undermining public confidence in the rule of law and the impartial application of justice as envisaged by the Constitution.

In the interest of safeguarding lives, protecting Constitutional democracy, and restoring public trust, COCOMI has demanded immediate registration of FIRs under relevant legal provisions; transfer of investigation to a senior-level or special investigation team due to the gravity and sensitive nature of the case; legal action against all forms of public incitement and justification of terror, irrespective of identity or affiliations; immediate security reinforcement and domination of vulnerable areas, including Torbung; Waikhurok; Kangvai; Torbung Bangla etc, and a time-bound action taken report to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in law enforcement.

COCOMI has underscored that violent attacks, and their public rationalisation, not only violate penal statutes but erode constitutional ethos and democratic peace.

Failure to act decisively will only embolden further aggression and deepen alienation among affected communities, it warned.

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