COCOMI decries AFSPA, urges PM to rescue captives
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 15 2024: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has voiced strong opposition against the Central government's recent decision to re-impose the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in areas under six police stations in Manipur.

During a press conference held at its office in Lamphelpat on Friday, COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba demanded that the Centre review and withdraw the controversial order.

COCOMI also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister seeking his intervention for the safe release of six persons, who were abducted by Kuki militants from Jiribam district on November 11.Athouba said that AFSPA is a globally condemned law, widely regarded as draconian.

He highlighted that numerous voices, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), have repeatedly criticised India for continuing to implement the Act, asserting that such legislation has no place in a democracy.

"It is an accepted fact globally that AFSPA is oppressive and has faced persistent calls for its repeal," Athouba stated.

Criticising the Centre's move, Athouba argued that the government of India has consistently kept AFSPA as a tool to suppress the northeastern region, which has distinct demographic and cultural differences from the mainland.

He pointed out that the re-imposition of AFSPA without consulting the state government undermines the authority of the elected government, while likening the action to an indirect imposition of President's Rule.

Athouba further stressed that the re-imposition of AFSPA would not resolve the current crisis in the state.

He referenced the killings of several central security personnel by Kuki militants but noted that there has been a lack of decisive action by the Centre or the central forces to address these incidents.

"Amid such activities by Kuki militants, imposing the Act in the valley areas is unjustifiable," he added.

The COCOMI spokesperson also expressed concern over alleged inability of central forces to protect Meetei civilians from Kuki militant attacks.

He lamented that village volunteers, compelled to take up arms in self -defence due to inadequate protection, are now being unfairly targete d by the re-imposition of AFSPA, a move by the Centre which could also be construed as attempt to suppress Meetei volunteers while showing tacit support for Kuki militants.

Athouba also raised alarm over the ongoing violence, including the November 11 incident at Jakuradhor village under Borobekra sub-division of Jiribam district, where Kuki militants - who are part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government - carried out an arson attack.

The militants targeted Meetei villages and relief camps, leading to the deaths of two civilians and the abduction of six individuals, including three children.

Central forces retaliated when they attacked their camp, resulting in the deaths of 10 Kuki militants, he added.

Highlighting the inability of central intelligence agencies to trace the abducted civilians, Athouba criticised the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for negotiating with militants, reportedly offering to return the bodies of the 10 militants in exchange for the safe release of the abductees.

He stressed that the people of Manipur would not forgive the Centre if any harm is done to the captives due to delays in action.

Athouba also pointed out that Kuki militants have been resisting the government's plan to conduct DNA tests, which, according to him, suggests that many militants may be illegal immigrants from Myanmar.

He confided that COCOMI has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, urging the government to take swift action for the safe rescue of the six abducted civilians, including the three children.

In the memorandum addressed to PM Modi, COCOMI said that the abduction of six Meetei women and children, including an eight-month-old, has instilled widespread fear and insecurity among the people of Manipur, aggravating the already volatile security situation in the state.

Seeking the PM's immediate intervention, COCOMI said that action should be initiated against those who abducted the six and sought an investigation in the MHA's handling of the situation.

"Should these innocent lives be harmed in any way, the consequences will be dire, and the government of India will bear full responsibility for the ramification," said the memorandum.

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