Imphal: Coordinating Committee of Manipur Integrity (Cocomi) has urged Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to issue an official statement outlining the government’s immediate plans to restore normalcy and uphold law and order.
Meitei groups do not have any particular demands or objectives in the ongoing turmoil, Khuraijam Athouba, convenor of Cocomi said.
He made these remarks in front of Raj Bhavan, Imphal, on Monday after submitting a memorandum to the governor.
The integrity committee informed the governor that Meitei groups do not have a specific agenda regarding the crisis and stated that the situation appears to be driven by those (Kuki-Zo) advocating for a separate administration.
He raised concerns over the Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement signed between the Central government and Chin-Kuki-Zo armed groups under the umbrella of the United People’s Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO). The agreement includes 25 groups 17 under the KNO and eight under the UPF.
“Both leaders of these armed groups are of foreign origin, with UPF being led by Thanglianpau Guite, a former MP in Myanmar, and KNO being led by P.S. Haokip, originally from Somra Tract, Myanmar.”
Signing SoO agreement with foreign leaders by giving designated camps is absolutely against the interest of the people of Manipur, the committee convenor said.
“The SoO agreement, in effect since 2008, has enabled illegal militancy. It must be thoroughly reviewed and dismantled. Their operations under this proxy pact threaten regional stability,” the memorandum mentioned.
The governor assured that the government will handle the ongoing situation without taking sides and appeals to all people of Manipur not to indulge in any form of unrest, Athouba said.
The memorandum mentioned, “All violent activities and unauthorized movements of armed groups must be brought to a complete halt to ensure peace and stability.”
It called for immediate legal action against the illegal construction of roads spanning over 343 km in hill areas without necessary forest and environmental clearance, as highlighted by the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council in their letter dated February 5, 2025, to the Union minister of Road Transport and Highways.
Responding to reporters, Athouba clarified that Cocomi does not demand the deportation of all illegal immigrants immediately but urges their identification based on 1961 as the base year, placing them under a specific privilege category.
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