The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has strongly condemned the alleged ambush on the Imphal–Tamenglong Road (IT Road) in Kangpokpi district in which five Liangmai civilians were reportedly killed and another injured, questioning the government’s failure to ensure civilian security.
According to COCOMI, the incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. between Makui Ashang and Thanamba villages. It alleged that the attack was carried out by “Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists”.
COCOMI said the recurrence of such attacks despite previous incidents exposed the government’s inability to effectively maintain law and order in the hills. It referred to the killing of six Liangmai civilians at Leilon Vaiphei village and two persons at Langka village in June, questioning why justice had yet to be delivered in those cases.
The organisation also questioned the effectiveness of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement, asking why armed groups operating under or outside the framework had not been brought under control.
COCOMI further questioned the deployment of security forces, including Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Cobra personnel, asking whether security operations were being confined largely to roads while civilians remained vulnerable to attacks.
It warned that continued violence and failure to hold perpetrators accountable could push public anger to a critical point.
COCOMI urged the Centre and the state government to take immediate and decisive measures to restore law and order, protect civilians and prevent recurrence of such attacks.
It also said development could not be meaningful while people continued to live under insecurity and fear.
