COCOMI memo to PM seeks 'special' status
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 24 2022: Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of several civil bodies in the state, has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging for granting 'Special Political Status' to Manipur.

Addressing a press meet in this regard at the office of United Committee Manipur (UCM), Lamphelpat on Monday, COCOMI co-ordinator L Ratankumar said that it is the main wish of COCOMI and the people of the state to preserve the territorial integrity of Manipur, which has a unique dynastic history spanning over 2000 years.

Aside from the Seven Years of Devastation which occurred before the Anglo-Manipuri War in 1891, Manipur had always existed as an independent and sovereign kingdom in South-East Asia.

He continued that when the kingdom was merged to India on October 15, 1949, the opinion of the people of Manipur was never sought.

Before the merger, there were no political relation between Manipur and India.

Manipur did not attain statehood for a long time and was placed under the supervision of a chief commissioner as a Part-C state.

Later, the territorial council and territorial assembly came into being, which finally led Manipur to attain statehood after a long struggle and movement launched by the people.

"No representatives of Manipur were present when the Constitution of India was being framed, which prevented any inclusion of Manipur's social and cultural aspects.

This has involuntarily led to the existence of various problems and issues in the state presently.

The articles and provisions enshrined in the Constitution cannot resolve the issues plaguing the state.

For example, Article 2 and 3 allow for admission or establishment of new states and formation or changes in the existing states of India respectively, which challenges Manipur's call for preservation of its territorial integrity.

Other examples include non-resolution of the Indo-Myanmar border issue, public demand for repealing of AFSPA, check influx of outsiders into the state and others.

Thus, to resolve all of these issues in consideration of the state's political history, COCOMI firmly believes that the demand for 'Special Political Status' is justified", Ratankumar contended, while informing that a memorandum in this regard had been submitted to the PM via e-mail on January 19 .

COCOMI will work hard to ensure the demand for 'Special Status' is fulfilled, he added.

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