COCOMI demands disclosure on Kamjong border attacks, visits affected villages with relief materials

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has urged the Manipur government to disclose details surrounding the recent attacks on border villages in Kamjong district and explain the measures being taken to ensure the safety and security of residents living along the Indo-Myanmar border.
A joint team comprising members of COCOMI, the Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) and the Tribal Trade and Commerce Commission (ATTCA) visited the violence-affected villages of Z Choro, Wanglee and Namlee on May 18 to express solidarity with the residents allegedly attacked by suspected Myanmar-based militants on May 7.
During the visit, the organisations distributed humanitarian aid and essential relief materials, including food and daily necessities, to affected families.
According to police sources, more than 20 houses in the three villages were allegedly burnt down during the attack, which reportedly involved armed militants suspected to have crossed over from Myanmar. The incident triggered panic and tension in the border region, forcing many villagers to flee their homes.
Residents alleged that the attack involved heavy gunfire and bomb explosions. Villagers also claimed that despite repeated assurances from the government regarding protection of border areas, adequate security arrangements have not been put in place.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the visit, COCOMI spokesperson Shanta Nahakpam alleged that armed cadres of the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) were visible in videos circulated after the incident. He questioned the Manipur government’s reported position that the attack did not involve foreign elements.
“Many videos were circulated showing armed KNA-B cadres roaming around in the background of the attacked villages. However, representatives of the Manipur government declared the incident not to be an external aggression,” Nahakpam stated.
He said Z Choro village is located barely 100 metres from a border pillar along the Indo-Myanmar border and alleged that neighbouring villages Wanglee and Namlee were also targeted during the attack.
Shanta criticised the government for what he described as the absence of visible security measures in the affected villages despite assurances from the state Home Department. He further alleged that patrolling in the area remained inadequate and that villagers continued to face insecurity even though an Assam Rifles post is located nearby.
Demanding accountability, COCOMI called on the government to reveal what legal action had been initiated following the incident and identify those responsible for the alleged firing, arson and looting in the villages.
“The government should disclose what legal action has been taken so far and what measures are being adopted to protect the land and people of Manipur,” Nahakpam said.
The organisation also expressed concern over continuing violence in other parts of the state, including reported killings, kidnappings and exchanges of captives in districts such as Senapati and Kangpokpi.
FNCC convenor Ng Akhiu said the joint visit was undertaken as a gesture of solidarity with the indigenous Tangkhul community residing in the border villages. He also condemned the state government’s denial of alleged foreign involvement in the attacks.
Residents of the affected villages thanked the organisations for extending support and assistance during what they described as a difficult and traumatic period.