COCOMI questions
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 11 2024: Vehemently condemning the ambush on an advance security convoy of the Chief Minister, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has questioned the Central security forces' passive stance despite such a direct assault on the State apparatus.

The attack by Kuki militants on the Chief Minister's advance security team at Kotlen along Imphal-Jiribam highway at around 10.30 am on Monday in which one security personnel and a civilian driver were injured represented a blatant act of terrorism, the COCOMI remarked in a statement issued by its media coordinator Y Surjitkumar Khuman.

The incident underscores the escalating conflict between the State Government and Kuki terrorist organizations, exacerbated by the perceived complicity of Indian Central security forces, it said.

Despite such a direct assault on the State apparatus, the Central security forces' passive stance raises grave concerns.

This ongoing conflict, initially mischaracterized as communal violence, is now evidently a targeted aggression against the State Government by Kuki terrorist groups, COCOMI asserted.

The refusal of Central forces to assist the State forces in retaliation or defence against these attacks suggests an implicit support for the Kuki groups by the Indian State against the interest of their own State Government, fuelling further violence and instability, it said.

Since the initial attacks on Meetei civilians in Churachandpur and Torbung on 3rd May 2023, there has been a concerted effort by Kuki propagandists to frame the violence as a communal issue.

However, these acts are strategic moves by Kuki narco-terrorists to destabilize the State, it said.

COCOMI has called for immediate and decisive action from the Indian Government to address the crisis.

The ongoing protection and alleged collusion of Indian security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, with the Kuki terrorist groups must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

This collaboration extends beyond India's borders, into Myanmar, complicating the conflict further, it said.

COCOMI stated that the evidence of discrimination against the State Government by the Central authorities is now glaringly apparent.

By allowing Kuki narco-terrorists to operate with impunity, the Central Government appears to be endorsing these groups, further entrenching the conflict in Manipur.

The lack of retaliatory action against attacks on the Chief Minister's convoy highlights this troubling alliance, it remarked.

The Central Government's strategy of evacuating Meitei villagers under the guise of protection has instead facilitated the occupation of these areas by Kuki groups.

This demographic reshuffling, purportedly for safety, is a tactical manoeuvre that favours Kuki aggressors and displaces Meitei communities, it asserted.

COCOMI has urged the indigenous people of Manipur to recognize the Central Government's covert policies as a proxy war against the Meetei population.

The Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki groups has legitimized these narco-terrorists, using them as mercenaries in counter-insurgency operations against other insurgent groups in the region.

This strategy, which sacrifices citizens' lives for political gains, constitutes a grave injustice, the COCOMI decried.

Given the Central Government's betrayal, the people of Manipur no longer feel secure.

Under the current leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the hope for a peaceful and prosperous Manipur has dwindled.

COCOMI has lost faith in the Indian Government's commitment to protecting the indigenous people and safeguarding the State's integrity, it said.

COCOMI has also called upon the people of Manipur to take charge of their future.

It is now imperative for the citizens to prepare for the challenges ahead and fight for their honour and future.

"The State must assert its stand against the Kuki terrorist organizations decisively and without delay.

Failing which, you no more deserve to represent the land and people whom you cannot secure and protect anymore", it added.

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