No end to crisis if Gol backs Kuki terrorists: COCOMl
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 05 2025: Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMl) coordinator Somorendro Thokchom has described the ongoing crisis in Manipur as a proxy war fuelled by external forces, with alleged support of the government of India (Gol) to Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists who infiltrated the state from across the border.

He contended the unrest situation will persist unless the Gol ceases its support to Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists.

Speaking at a press conference held at COCOMl's Lamphelpat office on Sunday, Somorendro urged the indigenous communities to unite and take a firm stand against the divisive elements to restore peace and uphold integrity of Manipur.

No end to crisis if Gol backs Kuki terrorists: COCOMl

He said that the crisis in the state escalated due to inaction by the central forces against the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists.

While there was an initial display of firmness, recent developments suggest a softening of stance, which has disheartened the people, he claimed, adding that Saibol village as referred to the Kuki is in fact "Uyok Ching" of the Meeteis, a community forest developed since the time Manipur was a princely state.

Somorendro condemned the protests by Kuki women in reprehensible manner in an attempt to vacate central forces the latter dismantled illegal bunkers and attack bases of the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists.

He observed that while the central forces initially acted firmly, using tear gas to disperse the protesters, subsequent events have eroded public trust in their approach.

The coordinator also criticised the government for its inaction against repeated attacks on key government offices in Kuki-dominated areas.

He highlighted the recent attack on the offices of the DC and SP in Kangpokpi district, which left the SP injured, and the earlier vandalism and burning of the DC office in Churachandpur.

Such incidents, he said, lays bare lack of accountability as no legal action has been taken.

Somorendro accused the government of maintaining a dual law system, with the valley facing stricter actions contrary to illegal activities in the hills remaining unchecked.

He observed that village volunteers defending their homes in the valley are unfairly targeted while the illegal activities by the Kukis are overlooked.

To resolve the crisis, he called on the Government of India to cease its support for Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists.

He also called upon the indigenous communities of Manipur to support the demands for strict action against drug trafficking and illegal poppy cultivation, and as well as implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to protect indigenous communities.

Urging people of the state to stand united, he referred to Manipur's history of harmony among its indigenous communities and their collective vigil to safeguard its sovereignty, before merger into the Union of India.

He also accused political parties like the BJP and Congress of pursuing selfish agendas that have contributed to the current situation in the state.

It is high time for all indigenous communities to come together for a united Manipur and to confront the divisive forces head-on, Somorendro exhorted.