COCOMI questions MLAs' absence at rally
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 29 2024:
Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has questioned the absence of indigenous MLAs at the Thursday's 'Save Manipur' rally despite their appeal, and also expressed concerns over the construction of an illegal RCC bridge in Molnom village near Serou, and the ongoing arson activities by Kuki militants in Jiribam district.
During a press meet at its office in Lamphelpat, here, on Friday, COCOMI coordinator Thokchom Somorendro stated that all 50 indigenous MLAs had been invited to participate in the Thursday's rally, but only two turned up.
"COCOMI appreciates their presence," Somorendro said, and expressed gratitude to various community members, local clubs, Meira Paibi Lups, and civil society organisations (CSOs) for their participation in the rally, which aimed to raise voices for a united Manipur.
While the 10 Kuki MLAs, supported by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists, could openly raise the illegitimate and unreasonable demand for a separate administration to the Central government, it raises the question of why the 50 indigenous MLAs cannot raise their voices for the legitimate demand of upholding the state's identity and integrity, he said.
Somorendro urged the indigenous MLAs to publicly clarify their reasons for not attending the rally.
He emphasised that lack of seriousness on the part of elected representatives regarding such matters of grave concern would only worsen the situation but also potentially lead to public uprisings.
He called upon the indigenous MLAs and ministers to take necessary steps for translating the resolutions adopted into reality and urged bureaucratic officers to be more proactive in addressing the issue, similar to their counterparts from the Kuki community.
Regarding the illegal RCC bridge in Molnom village near Serou, Somorendro highlighted that the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel had already issued an order to halt the construction.
However, the work continues unabated, raising questions whether the bridge is being constructed with the approval of the state or Central government.
"Neither the security advisor, nor the DGP and chief secretary are paying any attention to the illegal construction of the bridge," he noted.
The bridge is nearing completion, as evidenced from photos circulating on the social media.
This has led to suspicions that the government might be lying about the restrictions imposed while allowing construction to proceed undisturbed.
There is even a company of Assam Rifles deployed near the construction site.
Given these circumstances, COCOMI expressed its mistrust of the Central government.
Somorendro also drew attention to the ongoing arson activities by Kuki militants in Jiribam district, where one or two houses are targeted daily to avoid attracting attention.
He described these acts as well-planned and coordinated moves, and urged both the Central and state governments to stop these crimes immediately to prevent further public outrage.
In addition, Somorendro addressed the issue of illegal immigrants, clarifying that nobody is demanding deportation of the Kukis who settled in the state before 1951 .
The demand for an NRC update is to ensure a peaceful society.
He warned that allowing illegal immigrants to settle in Manipur in collusion with foreign Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists would only worsen the situation, but also potentially lead to more upheaval with public reaching the limit of their tolerance.
He urged Kuki bodies like Kuki Inpi, ITLF, and CoTU to consider the issue seriously.
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