Imphal: A seven-member delegation from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), led by its convenor Khuraijam Athouba, met with the Governor of Manipur today to discuss the ongoing crisis in the state. The delegation submitted a detailed memorandum urging immediate intervention to address the political, social, and economic instability that has gripped Manipur.
The memorandum, submitted on behalf of the people of Manipur, highlighted the urgent need for clarity and assurance from the highest constitutional authority in the state. It called for decisive action to restore normalcy and uphold law and order, emphasizing the critical role of the Governor in navigating the current crisis.
Key Concerns Raised in the Memorandum
COCOMI’s memorandum outlined several pressing issues contributing to the ongoing turmoil in Manipur:
1. Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement
The memorandum accused the Government of India of enabling Kuki armed groups to carry out narco-terrorist activities under the guise of the SoO agreement. It highlighted the massive opium poppy cultivation in hill areas and the lack of action against these illegal activities.
2. War on Drugs and Illegal Immigration
The state government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking, evict illegal immigrants, and dismantle unauthorized villages have faced significant resistance. COCOMI alleged that these efforts have been exploited to fuel demands for a separate administration, particularly from the Kuki community.
3.Chin-Kuki Narco-Terrorist Separatist Groups
The memorandum accused these groups of aligning with the Indian government to bargain for territorial gains within Manipur. It also highlighted their involvement in proxy wars and counter-insurgency operations, which have exacerbated the instability in the region.
Recommendations for Immediate Action
COCOMI put forward a series of recommendations to address the crisis
1. Establishment of a Duly Elected Government
The people of Manipur expect the formation of a democratically elected government within the month to ensure effective governance and decision-making.
2. Convening of Assembly Session
Once the new government is formed, a full-fledged assembly session should be convened to deliberate on the crisis and formulate necessary legal and administrative measures.
3. Security and Amnesty for Affected Villages
Immediate measures should be taken to provide security and amnesty for affected villages and their civilian defense forces.
4. Reopening of National Highways
The national highways should be reopened without obstruction, with stringent security measures to prevent illegal extortion and ensure the smooth transportation of essential commodities.
5. Eviction of Illegal Villages
A comprehensive initiative must be undertaken to identify and dismantle all illegal villages that threaten the state’s demographic and environmental integrity.
6. Halting Armed Activities
All violent activities and unauthorized movements of armed groups must be brought to a complete halt to ensure peace and stability.
7. Legal Action Against Illegal Road Construction
Immediate legal proceedings should be initiated against the illegal construction of roads spanning over 343 km in hill areas without necessary forest and environmental clearances.
8. Review of SoO Agreement
The SoO agreement, which has enabled illegal militancy, must be thoroughly reviewed and dismantled.
9. Declaration of Narco-Terrorism as a Primary Threat
The state must declare narco-terrorism as a primary threat to Manipur’s stability and establish a dedicated Anti-Narco Terrorism Unit for the Northeast.
10. Reestablishment of Law and Order
The state urgently requires the reestablishment of law and order across both hills and plains, along with immediate relief and financial assistance for those affected.
11. Rehabilitation of IDPs
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) must be rehabilitated, with measures ensuring their safe return to their homes and villages.
12. Implementation of NRC
A systematic initiative must be undertaken to identify and deport illegal immigrants, with the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to prevent further demographic exploitation.
13. Safeguarding Territorial Integrity
The memorandum emphasized the need to safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity and eliminate any possibility of separate administration.
Appeal to the Governor
COCOMI expressed its trust in the Governor’s ability to address the crisis, given his extensive experience and understanding of the region. The memorandum concluded with an appeal for decisive action to deliver justice, restore governance, and ensure peace in Manipur.
“Hon’ble Governor, Manipur today stands at a critical juncture, and its people look to you with great hope,” the memorandum stated. “We believe that with your judicious administration, the much-needed ‘healing touch’ can be extended to the people of Manipur, securing their rights, lives, and future”, it says.
