Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) convenor Yk Dhiren has alleged that the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur is part of a larger “proxy war” strategy aimed at weakening the unity and collective strength of the people of the state.
He made the remarks during a sit-in protest organised by COCOMI at Uripok Polem Leikai on Saturday in association with local clubs, Meira Paibis and residents. The protest demanded military crackdown against what the organisation described as “Kuki narco-terrorists,” an end to alleged proxy war tactics, and withdrawal of policies purportedly targeting the indigenous communities of Manipur.
Speaking at the protest, Yk Dhiren stated that the violence which began between Meiteis and Kukis on May 3, 2023 has gradually expanded to involve tensions affecting the Naga community as well. He alleged that vested interests were using armed narco-terror groups to create divisions among communities and destabilise Manipur.
According to Dhiren, the Government of India was pursuing policies that could deepen mistrust and conflict among communities living in the state. He warned that continued communal division could eventually lead to wider internal conflict and possible military intervention.
The COCOMI leader further claimed that attempts were being made to weaken Manipur through tactics similar to the colonial-era “divide and rule” policy.