COCOMI volunteers storm minister's residence
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 11 2024: As part of its agitation demanding representatives of the people and the state government to clarify their stand on the ongoing humanitarian crisis, volunteers of COCOMI Women's Wing on Tuesday stormed the Lamphelpat residence of health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan.

The volunteers carried out the agitation from their Lamphel office carrying a banner inscribed "MLAs and Ministers who are unable to protect the state should resign" .

Additionally, they carried placards with slogans such as "All MLAs and Ministers should visit Jiribam", "Transfer governance of Manipur to the people if the government could not end Kuki narco-terrorists", "We do not wish to maintain ties with Modi who does not support Manipur", "India cannot sell Manipur to Kuki narco-terrorists", "India is intentionally prolonging the Kuki conflict in Manipur", "Let's work together to save Manipur" and "The Indian government should stop favouring Kuki narco-terrorists" and marched towards the residence of the health minister.

Since the minister was not at home, the volunteers insisted on waiting until he returned, refusing to leave without meeting him.

Upon learning of their presence, the minister promptly returned home to meet with the CO-COMI women volunteers.

The agitated women volunteers pressed the minister to clarify his stance regarding the ongoing crisis in the state and enquired about the government's lack of action in addressing the situation and restoring peace in the state.

The minister pacified the agitators that he would work as per the wishes and demands of the public.

Under the guidance of the chief minister, additional forces have been despatched to Jiribam and steps are on to take control of the situation, Dr Ranjan said along with conveying his intention to meet the chief minister to push for a prompt resolution of the issue.

Furthermore, he indicated his readiness to resign if that's what the people desire.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, COCOMI Women Wing convenor Y Leirik Leima insisted that the state government should clarify its position regarding the crisis, which has persisted for over a year.

She also highlighted lack of action taken against the 10 Kuki MLAs who are actively working against Manipur's territorial integrity.

Leima further noted the ongoing attacks by Kuki narco-terrorists on Meetei villages.

Leirik Leima also mentioned that significant environmental changes have occurred due to deforestation and poppy cultivation by Kuki narco-terrorists in Manipur leading to intense hailstorms and floods in the region recently.

Additionally, she noted that the Kuki narco-terrorists continue to attack Meeties in Jiribam, burning down houses and even laying ambush on the chief minister's security convoy.

She further questioned why the government is maintaining silence despite the situation escalating to such an extent.

Leima demanded clarity on the position of both the state and central governments, asserting that if they do not act decisively, they should all resign.

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