COCOMI smells rat over AT leader's arrest
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 09 2025: Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has termed the arrest of Arambai Tenggol (AT) fighting commander Asem Kanan as a pre-meditated conspiracy by the Government of India to confuse the public and divert the attention from the pressing issues in the state.

In a statement issued Monday, COCOMI expressed strong condemnation over the arrest of Asem Kanan by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the night of June 7 from his home at Uripok and taken to Guwahati.

COCOMI described the action as a "deliberate attempt" to sidetrack the public focus from core concerns, including the unresolved Gwaltabi incident, ongoing talks between Chin-Kuki groups and the Central government, and raising the public demand to end the current President's Rule in the state.

COCOMI questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrest, stating that although CBI levelled several charges, the timing and place of arrest look highly suspicious.

"He is not someone in hiding.

He has always been among the people and sleeps at his own home," the statement noted, adding that the manner in which he was taken away in the dark of night points towards a calculated move.

The committee further questioned the Governor's remarks dissociating the arrest from Arambai Tenggol, asking how such a statement could be made amid growing public concern.

It maintained that the AT leader's arrest severely undermines the role played by the organisation in recent weeks, adding that Arambai Tenggol had contributed significantly to relief efforts during the devastating floods, carrying out numerous rescue and evacuation operations.

Instead of acknowledging these contributions, the government has chosen to arrest one of its key members, the committee contended.

The statement further said the act reveals a deeper agenda to suppress public voices and frustrate any effort to rebuild peace.

"Many top administrators currently overseeing the state's affairs may be non-locals but they are meant for carrying out services for the welfare of the people," it reminded and warned that their actions against the aspirations of the native population may not be perceived as neutral.

If they continue working against the public will, it will not be wrong to say they are following orders from the Government of India.

Such policies will only intensify public anger, and they may soon find it difficult to continue working, COCOMI cautioned.

At the same time, the statement noted that as a result of the recent developments, COCOMI's Flood Relief and Emergency Helpline Centre has not been able to carry out any relief activity for the past two days.

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