COCOMI condemns Litan violence, alleges pattern of proxy conflict and security lapses

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity expressed grave concern over incidents of arson and house burning that have taken place between Tangkhul and Kuki groups in Litan village of Ukhrul district since early February 2026, stating that the violence is part of a deeper and long-running crisis in Manipur.
In a statement issued by its IPR Sub Committee convenor Phijam Shyamchand, COCOMI said the incidents were neither isolated nor accidental, but reflected what it described as a carefully engineered situation sustained through proxy politics and prolonged institutional neglect. The organisation alleged that the prevailing unrest in Manipur was the predictable outcome of policy frameworks that relied on armed proxies and arrangements such as the Suspension of Operations pact, which it claimed had failed to bring genuine peace and instead contributed to long-term instability.
COCOMI stated that the violence in Litan village must be viewed within this broader context, warning that internal conflict among indigenous communities benefits only those who thrive on division and fragmentation. It said the continuing cycle of violence has resulted in burnt homes, displaced families and fractured communities, with the people of Manipur bearing the human cost.
The committee also strongly criticised the role of Indian security forces deployed in the affected areas, alleging that they remained passive while houses were set on fire in their presence. According to COCOMI, no effective steps were taken to prevent violence, protect civilians or safeguard property. It claimed that such inaction has been a recurring pattern throughout the past two and a half years of unrest, raising serious questions about selective enforcement and accountability.
Stating that both state and central agencies must be held responsible, COCOMI said the administrative and operational response to the Litan incident mirrored earlier episodes of violence in the state, further deepening public distrust. It warned that the situation carries a serious risk of escalation and could spill over into other hill areas if not urgently contained.
The committee referred to resolutions adopted at a mass public rally held at the end of January two thousand twenty six, which it said had already identified the conflict in Manipur as a proxy war imposed on the state. According to COCOMI, recent developments in Ukhrul district reinforced those concerns.
Calling for immediate, transparent and impartial action, COCOMI urged authorities to stop the violence, protect civilians and hold all those responsible accountable, including within the chain of command. It also appealed to the people of Manipur to remain alert to what it termed external manipulation and divisive designs, warning that failure to recognise and resist such forces would only prolong the suffering of the state.