IT News
Imphal, Feb 22:
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has responded to the recent appeal by the Governor of Manipur for the recovery and surrender of illegal arms across the hills and plains, acknowledging it as a necessary step under the law.
In a release, the organisation raised concerns about the circumstances that led to the possession of such arms by youths, stating that the failure of security forces to protect vulnerable villages during the peak of the crisis forced many to take up arms in self-defense. COCOMI emphasised that addressing the root causes of the issue is crucial rather than focusing solely on disarmament. It urged the authorities to adopt a fair and transparent approach in the process, ensuring that the concerns of affected communities are taken into account.
According to COCOMI, the ongoing presence of armed Chin-Kuki groups in the hills under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the central government has further intensified the situation. Despite the Governor’s directive, no formal declaration has been made regarding the withdrawal of these groups, leading to continued insecurity. It expressed dissatisfaction with the seven-day surrender deadline, stating that the period is insufficient for meaningful discussions with stakeholders. The organisation believes an extension would allow better public engagement and cooperation, reducing resistance and misunderstandings. It denounced aggressive operations by central security forces in valley areas, allegedly in violation of the Governor’s set timeline that sparked widespread concern. The Ima Meira Paibis and local volunteers have questioned the rationale behind such actions, which they claim have deepened public mistrust.
In light of these developments, COCOMI urged the Governor to initiate formal discussions with local youth leaders to facilitate a cooperative approach in retrieving weapons. The organisation has also appealed for assurances that no legal action will be taken against civilian volunteers who were forced to defend their communities during the crisis. It outlined the need for transparency in the arms recovery process, insisting that confiscations should not be limited to looted weapons but must also include unaccounted arms allegedly smuggled across the border and used by Kuki armed groups under the SoO agreement. Reports on arms recovery from the hills should be made public to ensure a balanced and fair approach, the organization stated.
The Committee has also called for the relocation of Kuki militant camps currently operating under the SoO agreement, asserting that their continued presence poses a significant threat to law and order urging the government to implement a robust security plan to safeguard villages and instill confidence among the local population. It also strongly opposed any legitimisation of foreign-origin armed groups, such as KNO/UPF, under the pretext of peace talks. The organisation has called for decisive action to dismantle these networks, emphasizing that national security and the protection of indigenous communities must take precedence over flawed agreements.
As the debate over the arms surrender directive continues, all eyes remain on the government’s response to the concerns raised by COCOMI and other local bodies.
