COCOMI calls for boycott of “Puppet Politicians” from Khongjom Day observance

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has called upon the public to bar what it termed as “puppet politicians” from participating in the upcoming Khongjom Day observance, intensifying its criticism of the State leadership amid the ongoing crisis.
Speaking to media persons, W. Luwangleima, convenor of the COCOMI Women’s Wing, said the organisation has already imposed a boycott on BJP MLAs, party leaders, and those in government, including Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, citing what she described as “irresponsible actions” during the prolonged unrest.
She further criticised a group of women in Wangjing who welcomed the Chief Minister during the inauguration of a Block Development Office today, contrasting it with the actions of women protestors in the Imphal–Thoubal stretch who have been blocking his movement under harsh conditions. She stated that the present situation demands urgent resolution of the crisis rather than ceremonial functions and inaugurations.
The call for exclusion comes in the backdrop of the Khongjom Day observance scheduled for April 23 at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex, a site associated with the historic Anglo-Manipur War. The occasion commemorates those who laid down their lives in defence of Manipur, and has become a focal point for expressing current political discontent.
COCOMI reiterated that the ongoing unrest, which began on May 3, 2023, remains unresolved, and alleged that the situation continues to deteriorate due to inadequate response and policy failures. The organisation raised concerns over attempts that could widen the scope of the conflict, warning that any escalation involving additional communities would further destabilise the state.
It also alleged that the crisis reflects a larger pattern, describing it as akin to a proxy conflict, and called for immediate intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led government. The group demanded accountability and urged democratic mobilisation to highlight what it termed as political injustice faced by the people of Manipur.
COCOMI further accused certain elected representatives of failing to safeguard the interests of the local population, alleging that decisions are being influenced by external considerations rather than ground realities. It warned that such perceptions could deepen divisions and erode public trust in governance.
Amid rising public anger, the organisation indicated support for social boycott measures against leaders perceived to be acting against public interest. It maintained that allowing such leaders to participate in Khongjom Day ceremonies would undermine the sanctity of the occasion and dishonour the legacy of those who fought in 1891.