COCOMI opposes call to disintegrate State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2023: Raising the demand that there should not be a separate administration for Chin-Kuki in Manipur, sit in protests were staged in different localities of the valley districts under the supervision of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), today.

The protest demonstrations were staged at Waheng Leikai, Bamon Leikai, Langthabal Thong Amanbi, Wangoi, Konthoujam Mayai Leikai, Ngangkha Lawai, Taret Khul, Moirang, Moirang Khunou and different localities of Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur districts.

Speaking to media persons at Taret Khul, COCOMI executive member Warepam Second said that the Committee decided to hold a sit in protest at different places from today onwards to show the opposition of the people against the demand being raised by 10 Chin-Kuki MLAs for a separate administration.

Saying that the ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis has done harm to all the Manipuris, he appealed to the State Government and all stakeholders concerned to bring an amicable solution at the earliest.

W Second said that the demand being raised by 10 Chin-Kuki MLAs to establish a separate administration for them 'by taking advantage of the conflict is illogical' .

There is no reason why the people should not take the conduct of the 10 elected representatives as a plot to disintegrate Manipur by driving a wedge among the people, he added.

Saying that there is no decline in the instances of arson, vandalisation and attack on civilians even after columns of paramilitary forces have been deployed in Manipur, W Second continued that public used to expect much from the Central forces at the initial stage of the conflict.

He claimed that the Government and its agencies especially Central security forces seem to be giving all importance to the Kuki militant groups instead of protecting the lives and properties of civilians.

Asking whether the Central security forces have been colluding with the Kuki militant groups in launching attacks on civilians, he appealed to the Government to let the Central security forces work neutrally so as to bring the law and order situation under control.

He also urged the Government to withdraw the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Kuki militant groups.

Meanwhile, the sit in protest staged at Langthabal Thong Amanbi was participated by locals of Langthabal Mantrikhong and Kabuis of Langthabal Cingthak and Langthabal Chingkha.

There, the demonstrators urged the Government to keep the cadres of militant groups under SoO at their respective designated camps and to keep the law and order situation of Manipur under control.

They also appealed to the people of Manipur to not spread rumours which can escalate the tension.

At the end of the sit in, the protesters in unison chanted slogans such as "Long Live Manipur", "We Want Peace" and "Control Kuki Militants" among others.

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