Centre discriminating Meetei: COCOMI
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 02 2024: The Coordinating Committee of Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a stern warning to the Central government, citing concerns over what they perceive as discriminatory treatment towards the Meetei community in the state.

COCOMI's caution comes in the wake of the recent incident at Kumbi Akasoi, where tensions flared between locals and the 2nd Mahar Regiment over detention of 11 village volunteers.

The Committee alleged that the Central government's response to the situation highlights a pattern of differential treatment towards the two warring communities in the state.

In a statement, COCOMI said that the apprehension of the village volunteers and the subsequent use of force by the army against protestors have sparked outrage among the local populace.

It asserted that the village volunteers were acting in self-defence against Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists and should not be subjected to crackdowns by security forces.

On January 10 this year, Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists held captive four villagers of Kumbi Akasoi, who had ventured into the forest in search of firewood, tortured and killed them mercilessly.

Shockingly, despite the severity of the attack, the Mahar Regiment stationed in the area failed to launch any operation to apprehend the perpetrators.

Instead, COCOMI said, they targeted Meetei village volunteers who were stationed to defend against such aggression, labelling it as an unjust treatment of the community.

The committee contended that the failure of the state and central governments to protect the lives and properties of the people has forced civilians to take up arms in self-defence against the relentless onslaught of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists.

COCOMI argued that the government's silence and inaction in the face of these attacks have only exacerbated the crisis, leading to heightened tensions and a breakdown of trust between the authorities and the populace.

Furthermore, COCOMI highlighted the glaring disparity in the application of law and order between the hills and valley areas of the state while reminding about incidents such as the burning of the DC office and secretariat building in Churachandpur, armed militants targeting IOCL trucks along NH 37 on April 16, and the sabotage of a bridge along NH 2 on April 22, where the government allegedly remained silent and took no action even as Kuki militants continue to operate with impunity along major highways in the state.

COCOMI highlighted instances of violence perpetrated by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists including armed attack on state and central security forces resulting in death of several state police and central para-military forces personnel, and threatening a column of central security forces using sophisticated weapons in Moreh.

It then accused the Central government of failing to take decisive action against these aggressors, who have been targeting the common people and attempting to disintegrate the state.

It also condemned the government's inaction in the face of attacks on civilians and security personnel, emphasising the need for equal treatment under the law.

COCOMI further criticised the government for what they perceive as a lack of accountability and competence in addressing security challenges in Manipur while decrying the differential policies that they believe exacerbate the crisis and sow discord among communities in the state.

In light of these grievances, COCOMI demanded replacement of the DGP and security advisor, while calling them as incompetent, and called for justice for the Meetei community.

They warned of escalating public unrest unless the Central government takes immediate action to address their concerns and uphold the principles of fairness and equality.

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