IT News
Imphal, Aug 21:
In an assertive move, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has demanded immediate legal action against those responsible for the inclusion of “Chin State of Manipur” in the draft Vision Document 2047 by the North Eastern Council (NEC). COCOMI has labeled this inclusion as a direct threat to the indigenous population of Manipur, warning that if the central government fails to act, they are prepared to mobilize widespread agitations across the state.
The controversial term “Chin State of Manipur” was notably mentioned in Chapter 3 of the NEC’s draft Vision Document 2047. Though it was eventually removed following a strong objection by Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, to the Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), COCOMI insists that this was no mere oversight. The organization argues that this so-called “error” reflects a calculated attempt to undermine and confuse Manipur’s identity.
Speaking to media representatives, COCOMI Coordinator Somorendro Thokchom pointed out that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred. He referenced a previous episode during the ongoing crisis when the Bir Tikendrajit Airport in Imphal was mistakenly labeled as “Imphal Airport Lamka” on airline tickets. Despite public outrage, the issue was quietly dismissed with a brief clarification, and no legal action was taken against those responsible. Thokchom expressed concern that this repeated pattern suggests a deliberate strategy by certain groups, including illegal Kuki immigrants, to destabilize Manipur’s identity and existence.
Thokchom further alleged that these actions are part of a broader scheme, pointing to instances where Kuki leaders have reportedly coerced indigenous communities, such as the Icum Kom, Kharam, and Aimol near Nambol Leimaram in Bishnupur district, to adopt Kuki surnames like Haokip on their Aadhaar cards. Failure to comply, he said, has led to the denial of government benefits, enforced by Kuki MLAs. He also highlighted the renaming of various locations under central schemes in Moreh, where traditional names like Bazar Lamkhai, Premnagar, and Heinoumakhong have been replaced with Kuki names such as Kuki Molaphai, Ngamkhaiveng, and Chinkinveng.
COCOMI has made it clear that if both the state and central governments do not initiate legal proceedings against those involved in these acts, the organization, supported by the people of Manipur, will launch a series of protests against the authorities.
