Ukhrul: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has initiated an indefinite protest starting today, voicing deep concerns over the deteriorating situation in Manipur. The protest comes in response to what the Meetei/Meitei prominent organisation describes as “severe atrocities against women and children” amidst ongoing unrest in the state.
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COCOMI has announced a complete boycott of all central offices in Manipur as part of the agitation. However, it clarified that essential services, including educational institutions and healthcare, will remain unaffected to avoid disrupting critical public services.
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The organisation has put forward two key demands:
1. A military crackdown on Kuki militants, whom they accuse of exacerbating the crisis, and
2. Withdrawal of the recently reimposed Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the six police stations of five districts in Manipur, namely, Sekmai Police Station in Imphal West District; Lamsang Police Station in Imphal West District; Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East District; Jiribam Police Station in Jiribam District; Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur District; Leimakhong Police Station in Kangpokpi District.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Saturday had petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “immediate intervention in the abduction of six innocent women and minor children” from Jiribam district of Manipur by “armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups”.
Also read | Six Police Stations in Manipur declared as ‘Disturbed Areas’ Under AFSPA
The situation in Manipur remains tense, with the protests expected to intensify pressure on the BJP government to respond to COCOMI’s demands.
At the time of filing this report, curfew have been imposed in parts of Imphal valley from 4:30 PM onwards. Reports claimed that several residences of Meitei MLAs were attacked by mobs.
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Meanwhile, the Manipur state cabinet has decided to send recommendations to review and withdrawal of ‘Disturbed Areas’ status in the six police stations. The decision was made in in cabinet meeting on November 15, 2024.
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