The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Thursday lamented over the latest statement made by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) of forming its own self-governed administration and asserted that the same has complicated the future resettlement of Kuki communities in Manipur.
COCOMI, in a release, stated that ITLF’s unpalatable actions have not only made the future of the Kuki’s in Manipur uncertain but have also created tension among the various communities which are reeling under the conflict in the state.
The Kuki community itself will face the consequences of ITLF’s threat to form to set up self-government in areas dominated by the community, COCOMI stated. It alleged that the same is a tactic to escalate further violence in the strife-torn state.
It reflected the Central and state government’s statements that the ongoing conflict was caused by illegal migrants. It also voiced external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s assertion during a discussion in New York that the crisis in Manipur stemmed from influx of illegal immigrants.
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It alleged the Central government of failing to take decisive actions to combat the threats by the armed militants attempting to disintegrate the state till now and asked if there is a hidden agenda behind such a motive. It also demanded a public clarification on the same.
It recalled the history of Manipur, how it was a princely state in South East Asia for decades and also mentioned the records on the same. It also pointed out the migration of the Kukis to the state and who allowed their settlement in the state.
COCOMI further stated that the government must take immediate stock of the situation and initiate necessary actions against the Kuki immigrants who are waging war demanding ‘separate administration’. It also condemned “the fabricated reports of the History of Manipur by the Kuki intellectuals including their claim of the Anglo-Kuki war which never happened.”
The conflict is a deliberate war waged against the Central and state government’s initiatives to protect reserve and protected forests, curb poppy plantations and update NRC in the state, it accused. It urged the government to be aware of the grave situation, threatening the lives of many innocents and take immediate action before it is too late.
