COCOMI argued that the imposition of AFSPA in valley areas breaches the constitutional rights of Manipur and its people. He pointed out that since the start of the crisis in May last year, “there is no record of any instance where Meitei village volunteers acted in a hostile manner towards security agencies.” It was also emphasized that “not a single bullet has been fired towards Indian security forces by Meitei village volunteers,” deeming the reimposition of AFSPA unjustifiable.
TFM Report
In a strong objection to the recent extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to six additional police station jurisdictions in Manipur, COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba stated that the decision has “taken the people of Manipur by surprise.”
Calling AFSPA a “draconian act,” Athouba on Friday (November 15) criticized the move, saying, “There is no proper legal justification for the reimposition of AFSPA in these six police station areas.” He underscored that the decision was made unilaterally, without consulting the people or even the state government. He further noted that “due procedures” typically require the state government to declare an area “disturbed” before AFSPA can be imposed.
Athouba argued that this imposition breaches the constitutional rights of Manipur and its people. He pointed out that since the start of the crisis in May last year, “there is no record of any instance where Meitei village volunteers acted in a hostile manner towards security agencies.” He emphasized that “not a single bullet has been fired towards Indian security forces by Meitei village volunteers,” thus deeming the reimposition of AFSPA unjustifiable.
Citing instances of recent attacks by Kuki militants on Central security forces, including the Assam Rifles and CRPF, Athouba questioned the central government’s intentions in selectively imposing AFSPA in the valley areas. He indicated that COCOMI perceives this crisis as a form of “proxy war” against the valley communities, asserting that the move raises suspicions of biased treatment by the Centre.
COCOMI urged the Government of India to reconsider its decision to extend AFSPA to the six police station areas. Athouba further called on the state government to press the Centre for a retraction, warning that the people of Manipur “will not remain silent.” He suggested that if necessary, COCOMI would raise its concerns at the international level, which could impact India’s aspiration for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He described the central government’s stance as a “racial attitude” toward the people of Manipur.
When asked about COCOMI’s next steps, Athouba stated that they are “consulting stakeholders on various options,” and a response would be decided soon.
COCOMI also announced plans to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Chief Minister’s office, demanding immediate intervention in the case of six people (three women and three children) reportedly abducted in broad daylight in the presence of CRPF and state police personnel.