COCOMI calls off Keithel stir
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 20 2024: Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced that the indefinite sit-in-protest at Khwairamband Keithel was called off following assurance made by the MLAs concerned to address its demands.

While expressing optimism for a positive outcome from the assurance, the Committee asserted that it is fully prepared to resume protest with more intensity if the assurance to fulfil the demands is not translated into action within seven days, as mentioned in the written assurance.

The COCOMI also cited the potential impacts of prolonged blockade of the Khwairamband Keithel road on the state economy as another reason for suspension of the protest, and expressed gratitude to people from various localities, Meira Paibi, clubs and organisations for their support in the agitation.

While expressing concern over the evolving situation in the state since the past few days with people targeting residences of elected leaders, the COCOMI statement, issued by media coordinator Yumkhaibam Surjitkumar Khuman, said no legal proceeding must be initiated against anyone arrested in connection with attacks on residences of ministers and MLAs.

The COCOMI then warned of more trouble if legal proceedings are initiated against those currently detained.

In an appeal to the people to maintain calm in any future agitation relating to the ongoing conflict between the indigenous Meetei and Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists, the COCOMI said animosity within the community will increase with violent agitations and such stirs could tarnish the global image of the long-developed Manipur civilization.

The COCOMI also appealed to all the ministers and MLAs currently staying outside particularly in Delhi to return to Manipur at the earliest and stand together with the people to fight the war collectively.

While contending that the state cabinet's eight-point resolution has failed to address the key demands of the people of Manipur, the Committee had served a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to review the said resolution adopted in an emergency meeting chaired by chief minister N Biren Singh on Mondaynight.

Briefing the media at Khwairamband Keithel, spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba pointed out.

that COCOMI has been demanding that all Kuki armed groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement be declared as unlawful organisations due to their direct involvement in targeting Meetei villages in the fringe areas since outbreak of the violence.

"The resolution to label groups involved in the killing of six individuals, including three minors, as 'unlawful organisations' is unsatisfactory to the people of Manipur," Athouba said.

"The people demand that all Kuki underground outfits under SoO be declared as unlawful organisations" .

He further emphasised, "The legislators do not need to consult the people of Manipur again, as the people have already made their stance clear to the government" .

When asked by the media, Athouba affirmed that COCOMI would not attend any future meetings called by the government regarding the ongoing crisis unless the resolutions are reviewed.

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