IMPHAL: The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) strongly condemns the armed firing and bombing that took place at Torbung village in Bishnupur District, on December 16 at around 8:30 PM. The incident terrorised innocent civilians who were just returned to their homes after spending almost 2.6 years in relief camps inside Assam Rifle camps. COCOMI termed the attack by suspected Kuki militants as a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
According to credible reports, armed persons suspected to be affiliated with Kuki militant elements carried out indiscriminate firing and explosive attacks in civilian areas, causing widespread fear, endangering lives, and posing a serious threat to the safety and security of local communities.
Violation of fundamental rights and constitutional order:
COCOMI emphasises that such acts of violence directly contravene the Constitution of India – particularly the guarantee of Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21) for all citizens – and strike at the very foundation of constitutional governance and democratic order.
Violent intimidation undermines the rule of law, disrupts public order (Article 19), and imperils social harmony. Public justification of violence by the Kuki-Zo Council leadership has exacerbated this grave situation. In the public statement issued by Ginza Vualzong, a leader of the Kuki-Zo Council, in which he allegedly:
• Justified and rationalised the attack,
• Offered inflammatory allegations,
• Made statements likely to provoke further unrest and incite violence.
COCOMI views such public defence of armed violence as an affront to constitutional values and democratic norms. Statements that morally endorse terroristic acts threaten public safety, embolden armed actors, and may constitute criminal incitement and abetment under Indian law.
Legal framework and grounds for action
COCOMI calls attention to applicable provisions under Indian law, including but not limited to the Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Criminal conspiracy, waging war against the State, promoting enmity, public mischief, abetment, attempt to murder, use of dangerous weapons.
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 – Unlawful and terrorist acts, conspiracy, abetment.
• Arms Act, 1959 – Illegal possession and use of firearms.
• Explosive Substances Act, 1908 – Causing explosions endangering life and property.
These statutes reflect India’s constitutional commitment – expressed through legislative safeguards – to protect citizens, uphold public order, and counter unlawful armed violence.
Concern Over Recurrence and Perception of Impunity
COCOMI reiterates its deep concern that, despite recurring incidents of armed violence:
• Armed groups continue to operate with apparent impunity in Ccpur areas;
• Leaders who publicly justify violence face no visible deterrents;
• There is a growing perception of selective enforcement, undermining public confidence in the rule of law and the impartial application of justice as envisaged by the Constitution.
In the interest of safeguarding lives, protecting constitutional democracy, and restoring public trust, COCOMI demands:
1. Immediate registration of FIRs under relevant legal provisions;
2. Transfer of the investigation to a senior-level or special investigation team due to the gravity and the sensitive nature of the case;
3. Legal action against all forms of public incitement and justification of terror, irrespective of identity or affiliations;
4. Immediate security reinforcement and domination of vulnerable areas, including Torbung, Waikhurok, Kangvai, Torbung Bangla, etc.
5. A time-bound Action Taken Report to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in law enforcement.
COCOMI underscores that violent attacks and their public rationalisation not only violate penal statutes but also erode constitutional ethos and democratic peace. Failure to act decisively will only embolden further aggression and deepen alienation among affected communities.
The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) is a civil society platform committed to promoting peace, constitutional governance, and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all people in Manipur.
It should be mentioned that after 2.6 years in Relief Camps, Meitei internally displaced people (IDPP) return home to Torbung in Bishnupur, bordering Churachanpur on 16th December. Administration transfers Rs 40k, assures the remaining Rs 35k once they settle.
They also assured that the daily allowance of Rs 84 will continue till March 2026, after which the government will decide on the policy. Thirty families, mostly from Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district, which borders Churachanpur, returned to their homes just before the attack.
