IT News
Imphal, Sept 5:
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a five-day ultimatum to the central forces deployed in Manipur, demanding action against Kuki militants responsible for a drone bomb attack that killed a 31-year-old woman and injured several others in Koutruk village on September 1. If no action is taken within the deadline, COCOMI warned of mass protests aimed at forcing the withdrawal of the central forces from the state.
Speaking to reporters, COCOMI Coordinator Somorendro Thokchom criticized the inaction of the central forces, numbering over 60,000, in addressing the Kuki militants who allegedly carried out the drone bombings targeting civilians. “If the central forces cannot take action against these terrorists, they should leave Manipur,” Somorendro stated. He emphasized the growing frustration among Meitei communities over the lack of response from both the central and state governments amid the escalating violence in the region.
COCOMI plans to organize a statewide human chain protest on September 6, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the crisis. The protest will highlight the public’s displeasure at the inaction of the authorities in addressing the ongoing violence.
The COCOMI also demanded the removal of Manipur’s Security Advisor and Director General of Police (DGP), citing their failure to control the escalating conflict. Somorendro also raised concerns about the increasing use of drone bombs by what he described as “Kuki narco-terrorists,” calling it a national security threat. He questioned the central government’s silence and inaction, particularly as the drone attacks occurred near the 57th Mountain Division camp.
COCOMI further alleged that foreign hands, particularly from the USA and China, had indicated direct involvement in the conflict. They called for greater transparency from both the central and state governments, warning that the ongoing crisis could have wider implications for national security.
In a related statement, former Border Security Force (BSF) Additional Director General (ADG) PK Mishra suggested the withdrawal of a specific paramilitary force to help de-escalate the situation. GK Pillai, a former Union Home Secretary, also weighed in, criticizing the Indian government’s long-standing neglect of Manipur and calling for an official apology for the state’s treatment.
COCOMI has resolved that if the central forces remain passive and fail to act within five days, they should leave Manipur. The group also reiterated its demand for the government to officially designate the Kuki group as a terrorist organization and take concrete steps to restore peace in the state.
