COCOMI also pointed out that the “nation and the international community now recognize that the ongoing strife in Manipur is not a localized conflict between the Chin-Kuki and Meetei communities; it is a multifaceted issue that encompasses cross-border illegal migration, the institutionalization of Narco-Terrorism, extensive opium poppy cultivation in Manipur’s hill areas (which poses a threat to ecological and environmental security), and the encroachment of illegal settlements into reserved forest zones”.
TFM Desk
Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Tuesday said it “vehemently opposes” the Government of India’s move to engage in talks with the “self-proclaimed Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF)”. The committee has accused ITLF of being in the forefront, supporting individuals directly involved in the ongoing violence in Manipur.
“Their members are known to be leaders of the Immigrant Chin-Kuki Narco-Terrorist organizations, coercing innocent Kuki civilians into participating in violent activities. The Manipuri populace has been exposed to numerous video footage and images depicting these members brandishing sophisticated Sniper Rifles and operating drone cameras from hilltop locations within Manipur”, said a press note issued by COCOMI.
COCOMI also said that there were also reports indicating the attendance of the Chief Minister of Mizoram at this meeting and raised raised concerns on whether or not the current Chief Minister of Mizoram has been “implicated in fomenting the recent violence in Manipur. He has openly provided support to the Chin-Kuki Narco-terrorist factions in their confrontation against the Meetei community in Manipur”.
The committee stated that there were various instances where the Chief Minister of Manipur had vehemently protested against this unwarranted interference in the state’s internal affairs. “Given this context, COCOMI firmly believes that the proposed meeting involving the Union Home Minister, the ITLF, and the Chief Minister of Mizoram will not only offend the
sentiments of the Manipuri people but also erode confidence in the Indian Government’s commitment to addressing the violence in Manipur. Before embarking on any dialogue with the so-called Chin-Kuki leaders or their representatives, the Government of India must prioritize quelling the ongoing violence and take decisive measures to identify and apprehend
all illegal immigrants and migrant residents who are abetting and orchestrating the recent surge of violence in Manipur”.
COCOMI pointed out that the “nation and the international community now recognize that the ongoing strife in Manipur is not a localized conflict between the Chin-Kuki and Meetei communities; it is a multifaceted issue that encompasses cross-border illegal migration, the institutionalization of Narco-Terrorism, extensive opium poppy cultivation in Manipur’s hill areas (which poses a threat to ecological and environmental security), and the encroachment of illegal settlements into reserved forest zones”.
The committee appealed to the Union Government to refrain from initiating any dialogue with these groups until the aforementioned conditions are satisfactorily addressed. Otherwise, such actions would be perceived as:
1. Sanctioning the aggressive Narco-Terrorist activities against indigenous Meetei and
other ethnic groups in Manipur.
2. Granting legal protection to Narco-Terrorist Groups (including the Suspension of
Operation Groups and Non-SoO groups) operating in Manipur.
3. Legitimizing the institutionalization of the Narco-Economy in Manipur.
4. Promoting cross-border illegal immigration and illicit drug trafficking into Manipur
(India) from Myanmar.
5. Endorsing the Chief Minister of Mizoram’s involvement in Manipur’s violence.
6. Ignoring the illicit activities carried out by ITLF.
In view of the above circumstances, COCOMI firmly asserted that it will not accept or cooperate with any initiatives from the Union Government unless and until these stipulated conditions are satisfactorily resolved.