Bridge blast flayed, COCOMI demands NIA probe
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 24 2024:
Not ruling out the possibility of involvement of Kuki militants in the triggering explosion and cadsing substantial damage to a bridge along Asian Highway 1 (National Highway 2) on Tuesday, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) condemned the blast and demanded that the state government hand over the case to the NIA without delay.
In a release, COCOMI media coordinator Yumkhaibam Surjitkumar Khuman pointed out the highway is a vital artery connecting India and Myanmar, serving as a lifeline for 3.5 million people as well as for trade and connectivity linking Southeast Asia.
Stating that the targeted area is within the Kuki-dominat-ed Kangpokpi district while noting prompt issuance of a condemnation note by a Kuki students' body from the region, COCOMI mentioned that a similar attack in Kwakta area bordering Churachandpur district on June 21, 2023 had also targeting transport infrastructure.
As the NIA has taken over the Kwakta blast case, leading to arrest of some individuals associated with narco-terror-ist groups belonging to Kuki community, the latest case too merits involvement of the premier investigation agency.
Moreover, another recent attack targeted LPG and petroleum tankers along National Highway-37, in Kaimai area of Tamenglong district, on April 16, which left drivers injured, and caused damage to the tankers, resulting in oil and gas leakages.
The perpetrators behind the attack identified themselves as cadres of United Kuki National Army (UKNA), even issuing threats of further violence, challenging the government's authority and Meetei community, Surjitkumar said.
Terming the deceitful tactics employed by Kuki armed groups is deeply troubling, especially their consistent attempts to shift blame onto unrelated entities, he expressed that it is implausible for anyone outside the Kuki community to operate in the area considering the remote location of the blast site, deeply entrenched within the Kuki-controlled territory.
Stating that the reprehensible act amounts to a blatant war crime, given the targeted highway's critical importance as a lifeline for 3.5 million people of the region, Surjitkumar asserted that it underscores the attackers' callous disregard for human life and fundamental humanitarian principles.
All involved parties, including the KSO executive, must be thoroughly investigated, as they could provide vital information regarding the incident, he suggested.
Moreover, it is crucial to acknowledge the complex dynamics of the region, characterised by extensive opium cultivation, illegal village expansions, and an influx of undocumented immigrants from Myanmar.
Furthermore, it serves as a hub for Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups, operating under the guise of a suspension of operation agreement with the government of India, Surjitkumar said.
In light of the grave circumstances, COCOMI demands immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident, Surjitkumar reiterated.
Meanwhile, Communist Party of India Manipur State Council condemned resumption of firing and disconnecting National Highway using explosives.
The continuation of such criminal acts signify that the government has been remaining as a silent spectator since the conflict broke out on May 3 last, the Council contended and questioned the government for allowing continuation of communal clash which is spanning for about a year now.
Pointing out that innumerable communal clashes occurred in the country, the release said that all such clashes ended without taking much time.
However, the BJP double engine government failed to end the conflict which is going on for around a year as the conflict is an artificial communal clash, CPI lambasted.