COCOMI talks tough against destructive criticisms
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 07 2023:
Amid the total curfew imposed by the state government and the non-cooperation of some bodies/individuals, the people of Manipur mobilised and managed to push through till Kangvai on Wednesday.
This could be regarded as a huge success, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) convenor Jeetendra has exclaimed.
Addressing a press meet held at COCOMI's office, Lamphel, here, on Thursday afternoon, Jeetendra extended support to all those who were injured during the Wednesday s movement and assured of extending all possible help, wherever needed.
Commenting on the verbal abuses, harassment and animosity amongst the Meetei community while dealing with the conflict perpetrated by Chin-Kuki narco terrorists, Jeetendra said that it is extremely unfortunate for the Meetei community, adding that this is preventing the build -up of a united Manipur.
Rather, it is leading to further disintegration and weakening of the society.
This is a subconscious act of supporting the Kukis and annihilating the Meetei.
If this continues, it would not be long before we started biting and tearing the flesh of each other.
In short, we are harming ourselves.
Thus, he urged all concerned to stop and think about the state and community first, while further appealing to the people not to encourage such acts.
While welcoming and appreciating all criticisms against COCOMI on TV discussion programmes and social media platforms; Jeetendra, however, remarked that the most were destructive criticisms, meant to defame, scold, demean and accused COCOMI of wrong doings.
"COCOMI accepts that some mistakes could have been made but it should still be given a chance to redeem the same.
It is understandable that everyone is emotional during this conflict.
However, we should still be careful when criticising anyone and the criticisms should be constructive, instead of playing on the emotions of the people.
Turning against each other would be tantamount to self-destruction.
In addition, it should be remembered that COCOMI is an apex organisation of different CSOs which have been part and parcel of all important movements and issues of the state.
The umbrella body believes in the strength of unity and as such, there is no need for anyone to teach the Committee about unity.
Even now, COCOMI is working for the unity and integrity of Manipur," he contended.
Jeetendra then lauded and exhorted the Youth of Manipur's efforts to unite all CSOs.
However, it is not right to dictate a fixed date for all CSOs to unite.
COCOMI also cannot accept this diktat because uniting all CSOs is not an easy thing to accomplish in a complex society like ours.
All stakeholders need to work together at the same time to make this a reality, he asserted.
Speaking to the people of the state, Jeetendra said that COCOMI does not consider it the right action or the right time to indiscriminately scold and charge the Committee of being spineless.
The Committee and its various bodies/members also have a limit to their patience.
COCOMI is rooted and is not afraid of anyone.
It will defend against all challenges to the Committee with the support of the people, he stated and appealed to the people to continue supporting the Committee so as to defeat the Chin-Kuki narco terrorists completely.