IT News
Imphal, Jan 5:
Thockhom Somorendro, the Coordinator of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), raised serious concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Kangpokpi and the overall state of governance in Manipur. In a recent statement, he pointed to the attack on the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Kangpokpi, where the SP was injured, but the attackers had not been held accountable. He also highlighted the killing of a Meitei volunteer by security forces and the subsequent arrests of many people defending their communities.
Th. Somorendro criticized the state’s security apparatus, stating that the Director General of Police (DGP) and the security advisor had shown incompetence in handling the situation. He expressed that their actions appeared partial and biased, with a failure to address growing unrest. He also referred to the ongoing blockade of National Highway NH-2, stating that despite a large number of security forces operating in the state, no action was being taken, which he described as a “proxy war by the Indian state.”
Addressing the media during one of COCOMI’s meetings, Th. Somorendro stressed the importance of understanding politics to achieve unity. He lamented that the crisis in Manipur was a result of a lack of genuine political leadership, criticizing both BJP and Congress members for prioritizing party interests over the welfare of the people.
Th. Somorendro also spoke about the pervasive corruption in the state, revealing that people are forced to pay exorbitant amounts for government jobs.
He mentioned that “a police job costs 15 lakhs, a school teacher position costs 15 lakhs, and college/university teacher positions can cost up to 45 lakhs.” He further criticized “the political culture, where ministers and MLAs expect payments from citizens in exchange for jobs.”
The COCOMI coordinator expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs, stating that the people of Manipur have grown accustomed to corruption as normal, which prevents any progress. He pointed out that the dependence of the people on ministers and MLAs has created a situation where trust in leadership is virtually non-existent.
Th. Somorendro concluded by calling out civil society organizations (CSOs) for internal divisions, noting that they were being undermined by forces trying to prevent meaningful change. He also warned that “those who attack the political figures, such as burning and ransacking the residences of Ministers and MLA, would be met by goons who protect these Ministers and MLAs.”
