Imphal: The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Tuesday vehemently condemned the recent ambush on the Manipur Chief Minister’s advanced security convoy.
The attack, carried out by suspected armed Kuki militants, occurred near Kotland on Monday morning as the convoy was en route to Jiribam, resulting in serious injuries to two security personnel. COCOMI described the incident as a blatant act of terrorism.
The attack highlights the escalating conflict between the state government and Kuki terrorist organizations, which COCOMI claims is exacerbated by the perceived complicity of Indian central security forces. The Imphal-based civil society organization stated that despite the direct assault on the state apparatus, the central security forces’ passive stance raises grave concerns. What was initially mischaracterized as communal violence is now evidently a targeted aggression against the state government by Kuki terrorist groups, according to COCOMI.
Since the initial attacks on Meetei civilians in Churachandpur and Torbung-Kangvai on May 3, 2023, Kuki propagandists have tried to frame the violence as a communal issue. However, COCOMI argues that these acts are strategic moves by Kuki narco-terrorists to destabilize the state.
COCOMI asserts that the central government’s neutral stance amidst these attacks compromises the safety of the state’s citizens and undermines the authority of the state government. The central forces’ refusal to assist state forces in retaliation or defense against these attacks suggests implicit support for the Kuki groups by the Indian state, further fueling violence and instability.
COCOMI calls for immediate and decisive action from the Indian government to address this crisis. They demand a thorough investigation into the alleged collusion of Indian security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, with Kuki terrorist groups. This collaboration, extending beyond India’s borders into Myanmar, complicates the conflict further, they charged.
Evidence of discrimination against the state government by central authorities is now glaringly apparent, COCOMI contends. By allowing Kuki narco-terrorists to operate with impunity, the central government appears to endorse these groups, further entrenching the conflict in Manipur. The lack of retaliatory action against the attack on the Chief Minister’s convoy underscores this troubling alliance.
COCOMI criticizes the central government’s strategy of evacuating Meitei villages under the guise of protection, which has facilitated the occupation of these areas by Kuki groups. This demographic reshuffling, purportedly for safety, is viewed as a tactical maneuver favoring Kuki aggressors and displacing Meitei communities.
COCOMI urges the indigenous people of Manipur to recognize the central government’s covert policies as a proxy war against the Meetei population. The Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki groups has legitimized these narco-terrorists, using them as mercenaries in counterinsurgency operations against other insurgent groups in the region.
This strategy, which sacrifices citizens’ lives for political gains, constitutes a grave injustice. Given the central government’s betrayal, the people of Manipur no longer feel secure. Under the current leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the hope for a peaceful and prosperous Manipur has dwindled. COCOMI has lost faith in the Indian government’s commitment to protecting the indigenous people and safeguarding the state’s integrity.
COCOMI calls upon the people of Manipur to take charge of their future. It is imperative for the citizens to prepare for the challenges ahead and fight for their honoor and future. The state must assert its stance against the Kuki terrorist organizations decisively and without delay, or risk failing to represent and protect its land and people.
It may be recalled that a large number of women who belonged to the Women Cell of the COCOMI, staged a sit-in protest at the private residence of Health Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh here on Tuesday.
They demanded the government act against the Kuki terrorists or resign if they cannot protect lives and properties in Jiribam. The Minister also assured that he would consult with the Chief Minister for whatever necessary action against those who are fighting against the state.
