IMPHAL/UKHRUL: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Thursday launched a mass protest campaign at Lamphelpat, Imphal, demanding an end to what it termed India’s proxy war in Manipur and the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
COCOMI also announced a joint rally of the Meitei and indigenous communities on October 31 as part of its campaign against the SoO agreement and the alleged proxy war.
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The announcement was made by COCOMI convenor YK Dhiren during a sit in protest held in front of the United Committee Manipur office at Lamphelpat.
Addressing the gathering, Dhiren alleged that the three civilians, who had gone to collect firewood in the Sanalok hill (Khongbal Killings) area, were shot dead by Kuki militants, while three others sustained injuries. He said both the state and central governments must take responsibility for the incident and ensure justice for the victims.
Dhiren criticised the government’s handling of the situation and alleged that repeated appeals to the public had failed to prevent further violence. He called for concrete action to restore peace and ensure the safety of people across the state.
Reiterating COCOMI’s demands, Dhiren said the October 31 rally would bring together members of the Meitei and indigenous communities to strengthen the campaign against the SoO agreement and what the organisation describes as India’s proxy war in Manipur.
The Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee Manipur (NHACM), led by Amana Thaimei participated in the mass protest campaign.
Speaking to the media, Amana Thaimei said, “If the government remains a mute spectator, the indigenous people of Manipur, the original inhabitants of this land, will be compelled to take a course of action that the government may find difficult to control. We are earnestly waiting for a swift and positive response from the government.”
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