COCOMI questions MLAs' silence
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 29 2024:
When the 10 Kuki MLAs are able to openly petition the Centre to break Manipur, "a majority of our MLAs" are unable to raise their voice and state their stand to the Centre openly, said COCOMI, disappointed by the absence of 48 MLAs from the massive rally in Imphal yesterday.
Even as a strong appeal was made to the 50 MLAs to participate in the rally that was organised under the banner "Save Manipur Rally", only two MLAs took part in it.
"The 48 MLAs who didn't participate in the rally should issue clarifications and state their reasons for staying away from the rally," said Somorendro Thokchom, coordinator, COCOMI.
Speaking to reporters at the COCOMI's office at Lamphelpat, Somorendro said the rally yesterday was organised to save Manipur and it demonstrated people's will and aspiration to safeguard the State.
While the people participated in it in massive numbers, a majority of the MLAs, who are elected representatives of the people, didn't take part in it.
When they say they are here to save Manipur, their actions should speak the same, Somorendro said.
If only they had participated, the rally would have been more complete, and it would have sent a strong and united message, he added.
"We as a people seem to be fragmented at times.
This is unfortunate and it shouldn't be the case always.
Saving Manipur is possible only when we unite as one," Somorendro said.
Even as the conflict has dragged on for over a year, Somorendro said the elected representatives are yet to assert their stand to the Centre openly.
"When the 10 Kuki MLAs have openly sought the Centre to break Manipur, why aren't our own representatives raising their voice and concern openly and freely? The MLAs of the indigenous people of the hills and the valley must assert their stand to the Centre," he said.
Manipur's integrity can never be destroyed, and the Ministers and MLAs must take steps to convert the eight resolutions adopted by the public yesterday into action, he said.
"If the elected Ministers and MLAs remain adamant and insensitive, then it may foment tension among us," Somorendro said.
"We are in such a precarious situation because of lack of personalities who can speak out boldly.
The time is right for our bureaucrats, IAS and IPS officers to show their support and commitment towards their community," he said.
He thanked members of all communities and civil society organisations who participated in the rally yesterday.