Imphal, January 13: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Tuesday announced a mass public rally on January 31, alleging threats to indigenous communities in Manipur and protesting what it described as shortcomings in the handling of armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework.
Addressing a press conference at the COCOMI office in Lamphel, Convenor Khuraijam Athouba alleged that Chin–Kuki armed groups under the SoO agreement have created fear and insecurity among indigenous people in various parts of the State. He said the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, disrupted long-standing inter-community coexistence and that the situation remains unresolved.
Athouba cited recent incidents in Ireng Naga village in Kangpokpi district, alleging the involvement of armed cadres and claiming a deterioration of law-and-order conditions. He further alleged that the settlement and protection of Chin–Kuki militants began with policy decisions taken in 2005 and 2008, and claimed that illegal migrants from Myanmar were subsequently organised into armed groups now operating in indigenous areas.
Referring to the Ireng Naga incident, Athouba alleged that Kuki National Front (P) leader Tiger Kipgen and his associates threatened villagers and moved freely in the presence of central security forces. He claimed that SoO ground rules-particularly restrictions confining armed cadres to designated camps and requiring the deposit of weapons at designated locations-were being violated.
COCOMI also alleged that these armed groups were waging a “proxy war” against indigenous communities and that alleged narco-related activities have worsened insecurity across the State. The committee further accused central security forces of shielding armed groups under the pretext of enforcing the SoO agreement.
Stating that the situation has reached a critical stage, Athouba said the January 31 rally aims to unite indigenous people and demand decisive action to safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity, security, and social harmony. The authorities have not yet responded to the allegations.
