Will defend ourselves if India cannot protect us: COCOMI
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 22 2025: Denouncing alleged failure of the government to end the conflict situation gripping the state for almost two years, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) convenor Khuraijam Athouba asserted that the people will defend themselves if government could not protect them.

Athouba made the declaration while speaking in a public meeting organised by COCOMI on the topic 'Manipur Crisis na Chahi 2 Phajinllakpa' at Sawombung Sairem community hall on Tuesday.

The public meeting was attended by COCOMI mobilisation committee convenor YK Dhiren, Women Society secretary G Thambalsana, Sawombung Sairem Kabui Khul village chief Panmei Thingsanglung and Thoubei member Panmei Amuthoiba among others.

In his address, Khuraijam Athouba pointed out that though the crisis orchestrated by illegal Kuki immigrants has been persisting for almost two years, yet, the government of India has been sidelining the issue and unable to chalk up policy to end the conflict effectively.

"In such a situation, there arises a big question whether we should wait with a notion that India will protect us or shall the people jointly take up initiative to defend the community," he posed, while making it clear that safeguarding the future of the community should be above all considerations.

Thus, if India could not protect us, then we have to defend ourselves, he reiterated.

Athouba further appealed to all indigenous communities residing in the state to come together and collectively raise their voices to the government of India for protecting the indigenous people.

As part of COCOMI's ongoing series of public meetings, a similar meeting was also held at Sawombung Kabui Khunjao and Sawombung Gangma Kabui Khul.

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