The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) today stated that it will take a decision on the Government’s invitation for talks only after internal consultation, while maintaining that the present situation does not provide a conducive environment for dialogue.
Addressing a press briefing at the organisation’s office in Lamphelpat, spokesperson Nahakpam Shanta said COCOMI, being a conglomerate of various civil society organisations, would deliberate the matter collectively before arriving at any decision.
He, however, made it clear that the boycott of BJP leaders, including the Chief Minister, Ministers and party MLAs, will continue during the upcoming Khongjom Day observance. The organisation appealed to the public to stage peaceful and democratic protests if government representatives attend the event.
Nahakpam said COCOMI has been carrying out a series of agitations in response to recent incidents, including the killing of two siblings, the deaths of three individuals allegedly in CRPF firing, and another attack along the Imphal–Ukhrul road in which two civilians were killed. He alleged that despite sustained protests since May 3, 2023, the government has failed to provide satisfactory answers on key issues.
Reiterating its stand, COCOMI described the prevailing situation as a “proxy war” allegedly involving Kuki militants and said the government must respond with clear direction and concrete measures to address the deteriorating law and order situation.
Expressing concern over the lack of progress, Shanta said that despite the presence of a Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers representing different communities, no meaningful steps have been taken towards peace. “Beyond inaugurating projects, there has been no visible effort to resolve the crisis,” he added.
COCOMI also announced that its ongoing democratic agitations will continue. It urged people, particularly along routes leading to Khongjom, to peacefully express their grievances so that visiting leaders can witness public concerns firsthand.
The organisation further alleged attempts by certain political elements to provoke confrontation and condemned such actions. It also raised concerns over alleged narco-terrorism and the functioning of Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps, questioning their proximity to recent incidents.