Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, NOV 15: Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “immediate intervention in the abduction of six innocent women and minor children” from Jiribam district of Manipur by which it called as “armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups”.
The petition, which was sent through the chief minister of Manipur, said, “With profound concern, we, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), write to draw your attention to a grievous incident that has profoundly shaken the people of Manipur”. On November 11, 2024, six innocent women and children, including an eight-month-old infant and a 2.5-year-old child, were abducted in broad daylight by “armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups” from the Jiribam district, the COCOMI petition said. COCOMI also said this “heinous act” has instilled widespread fear and insecurity among the people of Manipur, intensifying the already volatile security situation in the state.
Also read | European Manipuri Association Condemns Abduction of Women and Children in Manipur
The petition then said, “It is disheartening to note that, despite the gravity of this abduction, the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken a seemingly submissive stance by engaging in bargaining tactics. We understand that an arrangement is being considered where the government would exchange the remains of 10 terrorists, who were neutralized by the CRPF, for the safe return of the abducted women and children,” the COCOMI petition also said. “This position appears not only unjustifiable but also indicative of an alarming willingness to legitimize the actions of these terrorist groups. Such appeasement is detrimental to maintaining the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent that may embolden these groups to perpetrate further atrocities without fear of repercussions. It was noted in previous instances that similar exchanges by releasing prisoners in return for two civilian captives in Kangpokpi district have only emboldened these groups to repeat such tactics. This submissive approach not only rewards criminality but also compromises the rule of law, leading to an escalation in violence and insecurity in our region”, it added.
Must read | Six Police Stations in Manipur declared as ‘Disturbed Areas’ Under AFSPA
The COCOMI petition then said the “Government of India’s unperturbed reaction to the abduction of women and minor children has left us disillusioned”. COCOMI also said the perception that the government is prepared to negotiate with “criminal groups responsible for heinous crimes against innocent civilians undermines the faith of the people in its commitment to justice, security, and national integrity”.
In light of this “unacceptable” situation, COCOMI demanded an immediate, decisive rescue operation to ensure the safe return of the six hostages without any form of negotiation with the terrorists. It also demanded “a categorical assurance from your office that those responsible for this abduction will face the full extent of the law and that the rule of law will prevail in Manipur”. COCOMI also demanded a thorough investigation into the Ministry of Home Affairs’ handling of this matter, “which has led to the perception of government complicity and leniency toward narco-terrorist elements”.
Also read | State Govt lacks determination to end crisis: Okram Ibobi
The petition then cautioned, “Should these innocent lives be harmed in any way, the consequences will be dire, and the Government of India will bear full responsibility for the ramifications”. COCOMI and the people of Manipur will no longer stand by passively in the face of such atrocities, and “we are prepared to take all necessary measures to defend our people if decisive action is not taken,” it asserted.
COCOMI also urged immediate attention and decisive intervention of the Prime Minister to secure the safe return of “our people” and restore faith in the government’s duty to uphold justice and protect the innocent. “We sincerely hope that your leadership will intervene to correct this course, ensuring that justice, peace, and safety prevail in Manipur,” it added.
Also read | Ukhrul March Against AFSPA, Border Fencing, and Scrapping of FMR
About The Author
