COCOMI, UKAL oppose burial plan at Torbung
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 01 2023:
Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) said that no burial of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists killed in the ongoing conflict will be allowed beyond the jurisdiction of Churachandpur district.
Taking serious note of the plan to bury bodies of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists killed in the ongoing conflict at the Sericulture Office, Torbung Bangla in Bishnupur district, COCOMI said it is not against burial of the bodies within the jurisdiction of Churachandpur district but the interment should not be done in any area falling under Bishnupur district.
According to a COCOMI statement, the ethnic clash in Manipur which erupted after armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists attacked Meetei villages on May 3 preceded by torching of several forest offices the same day is almost three months now.
As part of the continuing conflict, firing for area domination continues in the valley pockets close to the hills.
Interestingly, there had been numerous incidents of lawlessness in Kuki inhabited areas like destruction of government properties and bank robberies but both the state and central governments are unable to take any action against perpetrators of such crimes.
Even the criminals involved in torching vehicles carrying RAF personnel had been set free out of fear, the COCOMI alleged and asked if there is now law of the country in Kuki dominated areas or is there a hidden agenda behind it.
Taking serious note of proposed plan to bury bodies of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists at Torbung Bangla on August 3, the COCOMI said such step will be akin to fanning more intense conflict which the Manipur government must prevent such in time.
Just as law & order is maintained properly in the valley, Manipur government must ensure the same in Kuki dominated hill areas rather than remaining as mute spectator, COCOMI said cautioned that both Manipur and central governments must be responsible for any unwanted incident arising out of the illegal burial.
The COCOMI also said that the committee along with the people will prevent the illegal burial if government fails to do so.
Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) also strongly opposed the proposed plan to bury bodies of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists at Torbung Bangla and asked both Manipur and Union governments to prevent the illegal burial in time.
Manipur Women Convention also strongly opposed the proposed plan to bury bodies of Kuki militants killed at Torbung Bangla.
Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club Tuesday, Convention representative Asem Nirmala said the real intention of the Kukis to bury bodies at Torbung Bangla is to claim the land as theirs and this attempt is being made amidst the inability of both state and central forces to flush out Kuki militants who occupied Meetei land in the area.
According to Asem Nirmala, burial of Kuki bodies at Torbung Bangla is unacceptable as it would tantamount to challenging the people of Manipur.
While asserting that women of Manipur will fight and launch intense agitation regarding the matter, she cautioned that Manipur government and Union home minister Amit Shah shall be held responsible in case of any unwanted incidents arising out of the matter.