COCOMI delegation to meet MHA over Manipur crisis

The Ministry of Home Affairs has invited the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) for crucial discussions on the ongoing Manipur crisis, scheduled for May 27 at the ministry's New Delhi headquarters.

 

A seven-member delegation led by COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba Singh will present the demands arising from the historic Manipur People's Convention held on May 3 at Khuman Lampak, Imphal. The meeting assumes greater significance following recent incidents that have escalated tensions in the state.

 

The agenda has been expanded to address the Gwaltabi incident and subsequent public unrest, with COCOMI expressing serious concerns over what it terms "unwarranted use of mock bombs and tear gas shells" against peaceful protesters, particularly women demonstrators.

 

The committee has condemned the deployment of aggressive crowd control measures against unarmed civilians during demonstrations, citing injuries to several women protesters as "unacceptable." COCOMI criticised the "continued inaction and ignorance" of the Governor and state administrators under the current President's Rule.

 

The delegation will present three key demands to the MHA: a public apology from the Governor for perceived insults to the people of Manipur, immediate resignation or transfer of the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Security Advisor, and an end to excessive force against peaceful protesters with accountability for security personnel.

 

COCOMI has described the three officials as "incompetent and responsible for making anti-state decisions" that have worsened the situation in Manipur.

 

The meeting represents a significant development in addressing the prolonged crisis that has gripped the northeastern state. While the convenor leads the Delhi delegation, the remaining coordination committee members, along with the Women's Front and Student Front of COCOMI, will continue public demonstrations in the state.

 

The delegation includes Yengkokpam Dhiren Meetei, consultative members L. Jadumani Singh and Thiyam Bharat Singh, Laikhuram Jayenta Singh, coordination committee member Phijam Shyamchand Singh, and finance member Yumkhaibam Surjitkumar.

 

COCOMI emphasised its commitment to representing public sentiment and ensuring accountability for those responsible for ongoing instability in Manipur. The organisation stated it would not be silenced despite the challenges facing the state.