COCOMI questions govt’s handling of Manipur crisis, to hold rally on April 25

Convenor of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), YK Dhiren, on Friday said no concrete resolution has been reached in the Manipur crisis since May 3, 2023, and announced that the organisation will hold a mass rally on April 25.
Addressing the media, YK Dhiren alleged that despite persistent public demand for decisive intervention, the state government has adopted a divergent narrative that has slowed efforts toward resolving the crisis. He reiterated COCOMI’s position that the conflict reflects what it terms a proxy war impacting indigenous communities, particularly between Meitei and Kuki groups, and criticised both the previous government and the period under President’s Rule for lack of seriousness in addressing core issues.
Stating that a resolution requires firm political will, he said elected representatives must demonstrate commitment to safeguarding the state if the government is sincere in resolving the crisis.
Referring to the April 7 incident at Tronglaobi, he said an explosion killed two siblings and left their mother critically injured, sparking protests the same day. During the demonstrations, he alleged that personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to several others.
He said COCOMI, along with the public, has since been carrying out democratic agitations, but alleged that no meaningful action has been taken by the authorities.
YK Dhiren said the April 25 rally will culminate in the submission of a memorandum to the government raising six key issues, including opposition to the alleged proxy war, action against suspected narco-terror activities, ensuring justice in recent killings such as those in Tronglaobi and TM Kasom, a judicial inquiry into the alleged firing by CRPF personnel, rehabilitation of internally displaced persons, and review of the Suspension of Operations agreement.
He added that COCOMI has received a communication from the state government and that its constituent organisations will deliberate on the matter before taking a final stand.