A seven-member delegation of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) will leave Imphal tomorrow for New Delhi to hold a dialogue with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on May 27.
COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba, speaking to reporters at the committee’s Lamphelpat office, said the decision to engage directly with the central government was taken during a public convention held at Khuman Lampak on May 3. The move was temporarily delayed due to the Pahalgam terror attack, but with the situation in Manipur worsening, COCOMI has decided to proceed in line with the people’s mandate.
Athouba reaffirmed that COCOMI would not hold talks with any other stakeholders until a dialogue with central authorities takes place. The invitation from the MHA was accepted, and the delegation is set to raise several pressing concerns during the meeting.
While the initial agenda focused on resolving political and security issues surrounding the prolonged crisis in Manipur, recent developments have expanded the scope. The May 20 Gwaltabi incident, in which journalists were allegedly harassed by security forces, and the subsequent protest crackdown, have intensified public outrage. COCOMI condemned the use of tear gas and mock bombs on peaceful protestors, including women and elderly citizens, during a demonstration held earlier today in Imphal.
The committee is demanding a public apology from the Governor, accountability for excessive force used against protestors, and the immediate transfer of the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Security Advisor, whom it blames for administrative failures under President’s Rule.
COCOMI stated that while the delegation engages in talks, other members, along with its Women’s and Student wings, will continue public demonstrations across the state.