COCOMI Urges Manipur Governor to Act Against Narco-Terrorism, Illegal Immigration

As Manipur grapples with a deepening crisis, COCOMI calls for immediate government action, including dismantling illegal armed groups, ensuring security for affected communities, and implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

BY PC Burau

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body representing Meetei civil society groups, has submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, urging immediate intervention in the state’s worsening crisis. The memorandum outlines growing concerns over political instability, security threats, and the impact of narco-terrorism in the region.

In the memorandum, COCOMI stressed that the prolonged crisis in Manipur has severely affected the political, social, and economic landscape. Highlighting the Governor’s prior experience as Union Home Secretary, the committee expressed confidence in his ability to take decisive action.

Concerns Over Suspension of Operations (SoO) Pact

One of the central issues raised by COCOMI is the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed between the Government of India and Kuki militant groups. The memorandum alleges that this agreement has enabled armed groups to engage in narco-terrorist activities, including large-scale opium poppy cultivation in the hill areas.

ALSO READ: Nagas Express Growing Frustration Over Stalled Peace Talks

COCOMI further claimed that the Manipur government’s “War on Drugs” initiative, aimed at combating poppy cultivation and illegal settlements, has faced strong resistance from groups demanding a Separate Administration. It accused Chin-Kuki militant factions of exploiting the situation to push for territorial gains while waging a proxy war.

Key Demands of COCOMI

The memorandum laid out several urgent demands, including:

1. Formation of a New Government: COCOMI called for the establishment of a duly elected government within the month to restore democratic governance.
2. Security for Villages: The group urged immediate protection for villages affected by violence, including amnesty for civilian village defense forces.
3. Unblocking National Highways: It called for strict security measures to prevent illegal extortion and ensure uninterrupted supply chains.
4. Action Against Illegal Settlements: The group demanded identification and eviction of illegal villages to protect Manipur’s demographic and environmental integrity.
5. Crackdown on Armed Groups: COCOMI pressed for an end to unauthorized armed activities and movement.
6. Investigation into Illegal Road Construction: The memorandum cited a letter from the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council highlighting the construction of 343 km of roads in hill areas without environmental clearance.
7. Strengthening Border Security: It called for urgent fencing of the Manipur-Myanmar border to curb illegal infiltration and militant activities.
8. Review and Dismantling of the SoO Pact: COCOMI insisted that the SoO agreement, in place since 2008, has facilitated militancy and must be revoked.
9. Anti-Narco Terrorism Measures: The group demanded that narco-terrorism be declared a primary threat to Manipur’s stability and called for the creation of a specialized Anti-Narco Terrorism Unit for the Northeast.
10. Implementation of NRC: The memorandum urged the enforcement of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to prevent further demographic manipulation.
11. No Separate Administration: COCOMI reiterated that Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity must remain intact, with no concessions for Separate Administration.

ALSO READ: New Video of Armed Men Playing Football Surfaces in Manipur

COCOMI emphasized that the ongoing crisis, which began on May 3, 2023, has pushed Manipur to a breaking point. It accused external forces of destabilizing the state and expressed frustration over what it sees as inaction by security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles. The memorandum urged the Governor to ensure a “healing touch” for Manipur by restoring governance, enforcing law and order, and securing the rights of its people.

The ball is now in the Governor’s court as civil society groups await a response to their pressing demands. With tensions running high and political uncertainty looming, the coming weeks will be critical in determining Manipur’s path forward.