COCOMI Front for extending arms surrender deadline
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 23 2025: Asserting that the seven-day deadline set by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for surrender of illegal arms is too short, COCOMI Women Front convenor RK Tharaksa-na suggested engaging with the people in the affected areas (Red Zone) and consider extension of the deadline.

Addressing media persons at Lamphelpat office of COCOMI, Tharaksana stated that before calling for the surrender of illegal arms, it is imperative to discuss why the village volunteers took up arms to protect their villages and the state leaving the comfort of homes.

The village volunteers only took this step after the May 3 incident, as their homes were burned and destroyed, to safeguard the lives of the people and protect the land.

As the process to restore normalcy is still ongoing, the Governor's seven-day deadline for surrendering illegal arms seems impracticable, she opined, stressing that it would be far more effective to first engage with the people living in the red zone areas, as well as the public.

During this process, the DC, SP and OCs of the police stations concerned should take the lead in engaging with the village volunteers.

It is crucial that all measures being implemented, or planned by the authorities, are communicated to the village volunteers and the public, suggested Tharaksana.

She also noted lack of clarity on whether Kuki militants under SoO have vacated their positions or if the bunkers they constructed have been destroyed.

This uncertainty has left the village volunteers in a state of confusion and dilemma, she claimed and urged the Governor to acknowledge that the village volunteers took up arms as both the state and central governments failed to protect the lives and property of the people.

On the other hand, Tharaksana appealed to the authorities to ensure the formation of a popular government during this period of suspended animation in the assembly.

She questioned why the majority BJP has been unable to form a government, adding that this is not the time to fight for political positions but to prioritise welfare of the people and the state.

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