COCOMI alleges excesses by Security Forces, Questions Chief Minister’s peace claims

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has accused security forces of using excessive force against protesters and sharply criticised Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh over what it described as a failure to control escalating violence in the state.
Addressing a press meet, COCOMI spokesperson Shanta Nahakpam said recent incidents, including the killing of two minors earlier this month and subsequent civilian deaths in fresh attacks, have triggered widespread public anger and sustained agitation across the Imphal valley. He stated that despite the deteriorating situation, the Chief Minister has continued district visits projecting progress in the peace process, a claim the organisation rejected.
According to Shanta, the government has “achieved nothing on the forefront,” citing continued killings following the Chief Minister’s visits, including incidents in Jiribam and Bishnupur districts. He said prolonged curfews and ongoing protests have severely disrupted civilian life, while repeated attacks on civilians have deepened insecurity.
The COCOMI spokesperson raised questions over the government’s handling of the crisis, asking why authorities have failed to prevent recurring violence and why no clear explanation has been offered to the public. He alleged that the Chief Minister’s engagements lack meaningful consultation with civil society organisations and are disconnected from the ground situation.
A central focus of the press meet was the conduct of security forces during ongoing protests. Shanta alleged that personnel of the Manipur Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have resorted to force disproportionate to the situation, including physical assault of civilians. He cited an incident in which an ambulance driver and his associates were allegedly beaten by central forces, and another in which a detained protester was assaulted while already in police custody.
He further alleged that security personnel have fired tear gas shells and explosive devices in sensitive locations, including hospitals. Incidents were cited at Bishnupur District Hospital and a private maternal care facility, where infants and pregnant women were reportedly present at the time. Such actions, he warned, could endanger vulnerable patients and escalate tensions further.
COCOMI cautioned that continued use of force against protesters could push the agitation towards an uncontrollable phase, potentially resulting in greater casualties. It urged security agencies to follow lawful procedures in handling demonstrators and avoid actions that could aggravate the situation.
The organisation also reiterated its demand for a crackdown on what it termed “narco-terrorists and militants” operating in the state, alleging that the government has failed to act decisively. It further held both the state leadership and the BJP-led central government responsible for what it described as the inability to address the ongoing conflict.
As part of its agitation, COCOMI announced a boycott of all political activities linked to the BJP in Manipur and called on the public to refrain from participating in programmes associated with the party or its representatives.