During a special meeting, COCOMI adopted resolutions seeking the declaration of a “narco-terrorist emergency” across the northeast. The committee announced plans to submit memorandums to state leaders, advocating for heightened anti-narcotics operations and increased enforcement measures along border regions.
BY PC Bureau
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has resolved to submit memorandums to the chief ministers of the northeastern states, urging them to initiate a joint anti-narco-terrorist campaign. The decision was made during a special general body meeting held at the committee’s Lamphel office on Thursday, according to COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba.
COCOMI’s memorandum will call for the declaration of a narco-terrorist emergency across the northeast and the creation of a regional anti-narcotics enforcement agency.
During the meeting, COCOMI adopted its newly formulated constitution, comprising 37 articles, and confirmed 55 CSOs along with nine branch committees as member organizations. The general body now consists of 183 representatives from 64 affiliated organizations.
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Several structural changes were also announced. The coordinator role has been converted to convenor, with 15 sub-committees formed under selected convenors. The executive body now has 30 members, and a 10-member consultative committee has been established to guide key initiatives.
Athouba emphasized that COCOMI will intensify its efforts against Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist activities in the state, advocate for an NRC update, oppose the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, and push for broader anti-narcotics campaigns.
The committee has outlined additional initiatives, including:
- Launching an official website to enhance public communication.
- Pressuring authorities to secure and reopen national highways.
- Campaigning for the protection of the natural ecosystem.
- Advocating for the rights and welfare of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
- Lobbying for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
COCOMI also plans to establish diplomatic channels in consultation with intellectuals and experts to engage in dialogue with various agencies to resolve ongoing crises.
Addressing a recent development, Athouba expressed concerns over a drug smuggling tunnel along the Myanmar-Mizoram border, as reported by News18. He urged the government to take immediate action, highlighting the lack of response from both state and central authorities.
When questioned about the timeline for submitting the memorandums, Athouba stated that the task would be completed within a week.
In response to increasing drug-related activities, Athouba noted that despite government claims of destroying 150,000 kg of narcotic substances across the region in 2024, efforts must be intensified to combat the threat.
COCOMI) is a prominent civil society organization based in the northeastern state of Manipur. It was established to address and advocate for issues concerning the state’s territorial integrity, social harmony, and the welfare of its residents. The organization often collaborates with other civil society groups and community stakeholders to present a unified front on key socio-political and security-related concerns.
