“Exclusive talks” between MHA and COCOMI will be held on May 27 amidst public outcry over Gwaltabi incident and alleged state inaction.
TFM Report
Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent conglomerate of civil society group, will hold an “exclusive meeting” with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on May 27 in New Delhi to address escalating tensions in Manipur.
As per a press release issued by Laikhuram Jayenta, Convenor of COCOMI’s IPR Sub-Committee, the dialogue follows heightened public unrest triggered by the Gwaltabi incident and alleged administrative failures under President’s Rule.
“COCOMI stands firm. Manipur shall not be silenced,” the press release said, underscoring its resolve to amplify public sentiment during the critical MHA talks.
Key Agenda: COCOMI Resolution, Unrest, and Accountability
The meeting aims to advance resolution adopted during the Manipur People’s Convention held on May 3 at Khuman Lampak, Imphal. The Khuman Lampak Resolution sought to address the Manipur’s prolonged political and security crisis. However, COCOMI has expanded the agenda to include urgent concerns over the Gwaltabi incident, accusing the Governor and state administrators of “continued inaction and ignorance” amid rising public anger.
Condemnation of Violence Against Protestors
COCOMI sharply criticized security forces for deploying “mock bombs and tear gas shells” against non-violent protestors, predominantly women, during peaceful demonstrations on Sunday (May 25). The group termed the actions “unbecoming of a democratic administration,” highlighting injuries sustained by several women protestors. It demanded an immediate halt to such measures and a review of security measures.
Five-Point Demands to MHA
The COCOMI delegation will present the following demands to the MHA:
- Public Apology from the Governor: For perceived insults to Manipur’s populace.
- Resignation/Transfer of Top Officials: Targeting the Chief Secretary (CS), Director General of Police (DGP), and Security Advisor, whom COCOMI labels as “incompetent” and “anti-state.”
- End to Excessive Force: Accountability for security personnel involved in the May 25 crackdown.
- Review of President’s Rule: Addressing alleged administrative neglect exacerbating the crisis.
- Justice for Gwaltabi Incident: Transparent investigation into recent unrest.
Delegation and Continued Agitation
A seven-member COCOMI delegation, led by Convenor Khuraijam Athouba, will attend the meeting. It includes Yengkokpam Dhiren Meetei; L. Jadumani Singh, Consultative Member; Thiyam Bharat Singh, Consultative Member; Laikhuram Jayenta Singh; Phijam Shyamchand Singh, CC Member and Yunkhaibam Surjitkumar, Finance.
In the absence of the Convenor and key members, the committee vowed to sustain state-wide protests until their demands are met. The stir will continue in Manipur led by other members including representatives from the women’s groups, students, and consultative leaders.
COCOMI’s Resolve
In its statement, COCOMI reaffirmed its commitment to “seek justice and ensure accountability” for those responsible for instability. The group warned that failure to address grievances could deepen public distrust in central and state authorities.
It may be mentioned that earlier, COCOMI had declared a public boycott campaign against Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accusing him of failing to address their demands regarding the recent Gwaltabi incident and the disputed ban on displaying “Manipur” on MST buses during the Shirui Festival.
COCOMI voiced strong dissatisfaction over the Governor’s silence, noting that their 48-hour ultimatum for an official apology had expired unmet. In an earlier statement, the organization asserted, “This inaction underscores not just administrative apathy but a deliberate disrespect for the emotions and aspirations of Manipur’s citizens.” The group condemned the lack of engagement as an affront to public sentiment, further intensifying calls for accountability.