The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has asserted that the crisis that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, is a proxy war being waged by the Government of India, alleging that both the Central and State governments have failed to take decisive measures to resolve the prolonged conflict.
In a statement issued on Sunday, COCOMI said the crisis had entered its fourth year without any meaningful intervention from the governments concerned. It alleged that despite repeated democratic movements, public protests and appeals demanding concrete action to restore peace, the authorities had failed to fulfil their responsibilities, leaving the people to bear the consequences.
The organisation observed that the prolonged crisis had prompted people from different sections of society to question its nature and the response of the governments. It claimed that people living in both the hill and valley areas of Manipur had increasingly come to realise that the ongoing conflict was part of a proxy war being waged by the Government of India.
COCOMI maintained that the indigenous communities of Manipur would not accept such a situation and stressed the need for collective resistance and unity among the people of the hills and valley to bring the crisis to an end.
The organisation described the mass rally held on October 31, coinciding with Mera Chaoren Houba on the 21st day of Mera, as a significant demonstration of public unity and collective determination. It said people from different communities of the hills and valley participated in large numbers, making the rally a success.
Six resolutions were also unanimously adopted at the public meeting held following the rally, it added.
COCOMI expressed gratitude to the people who participated in the rally and acknowledged the contributions of women vendors, various transport associations, medical teams, tent-house service providers and those who supplied drinking water.
It also thanked the authorities of Tiddim Ground and THAU Ground for granting permission to hold the rally and public meeting.
The organisation further appreciated the electronic and print media fraternity for extensively covering the event and bringing its message to the people of Manipur and beyond.
