COCOMI Urges Manipur Governor to Take Immediate Action on Ongoing Crisis

COCOMI had demanded Establishment of Elected Government, Security Measures, and an End to Narco-Terrorism

TFM Report

Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Monday submitted an urgent memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, seeking immediate intervention in addressing the state’s escalating crisis. The memorandum, presented on behalf of the people of Manipur, highlights pressing political, social, and security concerns while demanding decisive action from the government.

Call for Clarity Amidst Crisis

COCOMI emphasized the need for the Governor, as the state’s highest constitutional authority, to provide clarity regarding Manipur’s political and constitutional status. The organization stated that the people urgently require an official government roadmap to restore normalcy and maintain law and order.

“The people of Manipur are in dire need of clarity and assurance from the highest constitutional authority in the state,” the memorandum reads. “We earnestly request you to convey an official message outlining the government’s immediate plan to restore normalcy.”

The crisis, according to COCOMI, is being driven by groups pushing for a “Separate Administration”, which has led to continued unrest in the region.

 

Concerns Over Government and Armed Groups

The memorandum accuses the Government of India of enabling narco-terrorist activities by signing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups. COCOMI argues that this pact, implemented without any substantial military operations, has allowed insurgent groups to flourish under the guise of peace negotiations. It also points to massive opium poppy cultivation in the hill areas as a key indicator of these activities.

Similarly, the Government of Manipur’s actions, including its “War on Drugs” and eviction of illegal settlements, have met strong resistance from affected communities. This, COCOMI asserts, has led to further conflict and demands for territorial security by illegal immigrant populations.

Additionally, the memorandum draws comparisons between Chin-Kuki separatist groups and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) in Myanmar, alleging that these groups are leveraging their alignment with India to bargain for territorial expansion while using expendable militants to conduct proxy wars and counterinsurgency operations.

Key Demands from the Governor

In its memorandum, COCOMI has outlined 13 urgent demands, including:

1. Formation of an Elected Government – The people of Manipur demand the establishment of a duly elected government within the month to ensure democratic governance and decision-making.
2. Restoration of Law and Order – An immediate assembly session must be convened to deliberate on the crisis and formulate solutions.
3. Security for Affected Villages – Protection and amnesty must be provided to affected communities, along with proper defense mechanisms.
4. Unobstructed National Highways – Highways should be kept open with stringent anti-extortion measures in place.
5. Eviction of Illegal Settlements – A systematic initiative to identify and dismantle illegal villages is necessary to preserve Manipur’s demographic integrity.
6. Disarmament of Armed Groups – All violent activities and the unauthorized movement of armed personnel must be halted.
7. Investigation into Illegal Road Constructions – Legal proceedings must be initiated against those responsible for constructing roads illegally without environmental clearance.
8. Border Security Measures – The Governor must ensure the safety of border villagers, especially against threats posed by Chin-Kuki-Zomi armed groups.
9. Review and Dismantling of the SoO Agreement – The SoO pact must be thoroughly reassessed as it has led to unchecked militancy.
10. Combating Narco-Terrorism – The crisis since May 3, 2023, is linked to drug cartels, with poppy plantations in Manipur being protected by armed groups. A dedicated Anti-Narco Terrorism Unit for the Northeast must be established.
11. Relief and Rehabilitation for Displaced Communities – Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) must be rehabilitated, with essential services such as healthcare, education, and transport restored.
12. Implementation of NRC – A systematic identification and deportation of illegal immigrants is required, with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) being implemented.
13. Safeguarding Manipur’s Integrity – The BJP’s Northeast Coordinator must reaffirm that Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity will remain uncompromised.

Governor’s Role in Restoring Stability

COCOMI has placed great hope in the Governor’s leadership during this time of “suspended animation,” urging him to use his experience as a former Union Home Secretary to implement decisive measures. The memorandum asserts that the Governor’s role is key in ensuring that the state receives a healing touch and that the rights and lives of Manipur’s people are secured.

“Manipur stands at a critical juncture, and its people look to you with great hope,” the memorandum concludes, emphasizing the need for swift government action to address the concerns of its citizens.