Convenor of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), YK Dhiren, has alleged that illegal immigrants and narco-terrorists entering Manipur are being protected by the Assam Rifles, leading to the strengthening of “proxy armies” in the state.
He made the remarks during public meetings organised under the theme of exposing the “proxy war,” demanding action against Kuki militants, and seeking answers from the government on seven questions raised by COCOMI. The meetings were held at Kameng and Sekmai in Imphal West district.
The programmes were organised by the Awang Sekmai branch of COCOMI at the Awang Sekmai S.C. Development Committee Hall and Kameng Community Hall, with participation from local residents and women’s groups.
Addressing the gatherings, YK Dhiren said protecting Manipur’s territorial integrity was becoming increasingly difficult. He alleged that instead of strictly guarding the borders, the Assam Rifles had allowed large numbers of illegal immigrants to enter the state.
He further claimed that narco-terrorist groups had spread across Manipur and become deeply entrenched, alleging that such groups were indirectly being supported as proxy forces. According to him, despite continued violence in the state, no decisive action had been taken against the groups involved.
Dhiren said the situation had weakened public trust in India’s commitment to protect Manipur. He stressed that the people of the state must continue collective efforts to safeguard their land, identity and territorial integrity.
He also alleged that narco-terrorist groups were not only responsible for violence and loss of life but were also attempting to divide communities. In this regard, he urged all indigenous communities of the state to remain united and take firm collective decisions.
Further, he claimed that the actions of the Indian government, the alleged use of proxy forces, and attempts to create unrest in Manipur had drawn concern and criticism at the international level.
Maintaining that external forces may attempt to destabilise the state, Dhiren asserted that the unity of indigenous communities would enable Manipur to overcome such challenges and expose what he termed as the government’s hidden agenda.