Manipur conflict marks three years, COCOMI holds people’s convention in Imphal

A public convention marking the completion of three years of the ongoing conflict in Manipur was organised on May 3 by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) at Shumang Leela Shanglen in Imphal.

Held under the theme “Three Years of Manipur Crisis”, the convention brought together people from various sections of society, including academicians, retired officials, researchers, student bodies and civil society representatives.

According to organisers, the gathering aimed to deliberate on the prolonged crisis and adopt public resolutions that would shape the future course of the movement and outline demands to be placed before the governments of Manipur and India.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, COCOMI co-convenor Shanta Nahakpam alleged that people in the state believe the conflict has continued with the knowledge of the Government of India. He further stated that the Manipur government has been unable to adequately explain to the Centre the circumstances and reasons behind the prolonged unrest.

Nahakpam said that although the Manipur government had initiated several measures aimed at ensuring inclusive development and promoting a peace process, the objectives had not been achieved and the conflict continued to persist.

He also expressed concern over the prevailing security situation, stating that while security operations were being conducted regularly in the name of restoring peace, major issues such as free movement along highways and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons remained unresolved.

Highlighting the objectives of the convention, Nahakpam said the meeting would review the three years of crisis, including government initiatives, demands raised by civil society groups, the number of people affected and the funds sanctioned during the period.

He added that the resolutions adopted at the conclusion of the convention would determine how the concerns of the people would be formally taken up with both the Government of India and the Manipur government.