Imphal, Feb 23: In response to the recent appeal issued by the Governor of Manipur regarding the recovery or surrender of illegal arms in both the hills and the plains, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), while acknowledging this as a necessary step under the law of the land, certain circumstances led local youth to take up arms and loot weapons.
In a statement today, the COCOMI said it was imperative to recognize the circumstances that led local youth to take up arms and loot weapons. “This situation arose due to the incompetence of the government’s security forces, which failed to protect vulnerable villages at the peak of the crisis,” said the COCOMI, while adding, “The terror threat remains, as there has been no official or formal declaration of the withdrawal of armed Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups that continue to operate in the hill areas of Manipur with impunity from the central government under the deceptive pact called Suspension of Operation (SoO)”.
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The COCOMI also said the seven-day timeframe for surrendering arms is too short for meaningful engagement with stakeholders and the public. The COCOMI also said that an extension of more time would allow for better public understanding and cooperation, helping to prevent any misunderstanding or resistance. “However, the aggressive stance taken by central security forces on Friday at many parts in the valley areas, violating even the timeline set by the Hon’ble Governor, has raised serious concerns among the ima meira paibis (women) and local groups and volunteers. This disregard for the Governor’s directive has created widespread doubt among the people”, it added. The COCOMI then asked, “Why are the central forces not adhering to the Governor’s instructions? Why are they displaying hostility towards local youth instead of following the official directive?” It stated that such actions have led to growing mistrust within the community.
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The COCOMI, therefore, urged the Governor to initiate formal engagement with local youth leaders to ensure a cooperative approach in recovering arms from civilian volunteers, avoiding any hasty or forceful actions in the process. “Additionally, we strongly appeal that no legal action be taken against civilian volunteers who were compelled to defend their communities,” the COCOMI also said.
The COCOMI then said the process of arms confiscation should not be limited to the looted weapons alone; it must also extend to the unaccounted number of illegal arms smuggled across the border and used by Kuki armed groups operating under the so-called Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Government of India. “Transparency is crucial, reports on the confiscation of arms from the hills must be made public to ensure a rational and fair approach,” it stated.
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Furthermore, the COCOMI said the people of Manipur seek an assurance from the Governor and relevant authorities that all armed Kuki militant camps under Suspension of Operation (SoO) in the surrounding hill areas be shifted to other locations so that the law and order are fully restored. The COCOMI also said the government must come up with a concrete, full proof plan to secure villages, instill a sense of safety among villagers and their volunteers, and provide a firm guarantee that no further attacks will take place.
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Above all, the COCOMI said the Government of India cannot legitimize the existence of “foreign-origin armed narco-terrorist groups (KNO/UPF)” under the pretext of peace talks. It added that any engagement with such groups must prioritize national security, the rule of law, and the protection of indigenous communities. The ongoing violence and illegal activities perpetrated by these elements pose a grave threat to the stability of Manipur and the region as a whole, the COCOMI further said. “Immediate and decisive action is necessary to dismantle their networks rather than granting them legitimacy through flawed agreements,” it added.
(Newmai News Network)
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