Convenor of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Yk. Dhiren, today alleged that the ongoing violence in Manipur is not merely an ethnic conflict but part of a larger and deliberate policy pursued by the Government of India to weaken the people of the state.
He made the remarks during a public meeting jointly organised by COCOMI and the All Phumlou Apunba Meira Nupi Lup at the All Phumlou Community Hall. The meeting deliberated on demands for military action against alleged Kuki militants and accusations that the Indian government is engaged in a “proxy war” in Manipur.
Addressing the gathering, Yk. Dhiren stated that since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, the people of Manipur have been trying to understand the real nature of the crisis. According to him, the situation cannot be viewed simply as a clash between communities, but must be examined in the context of policies and actions of the Central Government.
He alleged that those in power do not genuinely intend to resolve the conflict and claimed that continued instability in the state benefits certain vested interests. Stressing the need for collective resistance, he appealed to all communities of the region to unite and strengthen democratic movements against what he described as policies threatening the integrity of both Manipur and India.
Yk. Dhiren further alleged that armed proxy groups are being used to sustain violence and deepen divisions among communities in the state. He warned against attempts to create hostility among Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities and urged the people not to fall prey to divisive politics.
He maintained that the prolonged unrest has caused immense suffering to the people and called for greater public awareness regarding the forces allegedly benefiting from the ongoing crisis.