The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced its support for the ongoing economic blockade launched by the United Naga Council (UNC), citing the alleged failure of the government to take appropriate action on the prevailing crisis.
In a statement, COCOMI said the violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, had resulted in loss of life, displacement of people and extensive damage to property and infrastructure. It said that even after more than three years, the crisis continues, with many people still living in fear and uncertainty.
COCOMI alleged that despite the prolonged crisis and loss of lives, the “double-engine” government had failed to take meaningful and effective measures to address the situation.
The COCOMI further alleged that several incidents of violence had resulted in the deaths of civilians, but justice had not been delivered to the victims and their families. It said various movements and agitations had been launched in response to the continuing suffering, but the government had failed to take concrete action commensurate with the seriousness of the situation.
COCOMI also referred to an incident in June in which suspected militants from Lailon Vaiphei village allegedly abducted and killed members of the Liangmai community. It said the bodies were recovered several days later in a severely deteriorated condition. The incident, it added, led to widespread condemnation and demands for legal action against those responsible.
The COCOMI further claimed that the bodies of six civilians allegedly killed in recent incidents were lying at the JNIMS mortuary pending post-mortem procedures.
Against this backdrop, COCOMI said the UNC had launched an economic blockade with four specific demands concerning the prevailing crisis. It recalled that on September 20, it had appealed to the government to consider and respond to the UNC’s demands to prevent further escalation.
However, COCOMI said no visible action had been taken by the government so far. It alleged that the continued failure to address the issues reflected a disregard for the concerns and suffering of the people.
COCOMI said it had therefore decided to extend its support to the UNC’s ongoing economic blockade movement and intensify its activities in solidarity with the agitation.
