Imphal: Manipur continues to grapple with ethnic tensions as the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of Meitei civil society organizations, rejected the resolutions passed by the NDA-led state government and demanded more decisive actions against Kuki insurgent groups. The organization has issued a 24-hour ultimatum, threatening intensified agitation if their demands are not met.
10 Key Updates on the Manipur Crisis:
- Ongoing Violence:
Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which began last year, has reignited after the recent killing of six people, including women and children, in Jiribam. This has prompted the central government to deploy additional forces to restore order. - Assam Seals Borders:
Fearing a spillover of violence, Assam has sealed its borders with Manipur. Commandos have been deployed, with Assam Police citing intelligence about potential cross-border threats from “bad elements.” - Chief Minister Under Pressure:
Manipur’s BJP-led government, under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, is facing demands for his resignation over his handling of the crisis. - NPP Withdraws Support:
The National People’s Party (NPP), an NDA ally, has withdrawn support, citing the government’s failure to restore peace. The party hinted it might reconsider if there is a leadership change. - Legislators Divided:
A meeting of NDA legislators called by the Chief Minister saw 11 out of 38 MLAs abstaining. Resolutions passed at the meeting included a review of the need to reimpose the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and a mass operation against Kuki militants within a week. - Civil Society’s Stand:
COCOMI criticized the resolutions, calling them inadequate. Spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba emphasized that violence has occurred across the state, not just in Jiribam, and called for a crackdown on all Kuki militant groups operating under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements. - SoO Agreements in Focus:
The SoO pact, which mandates insurgents to stay in designated camps with monitored weapons, expired in February. With no announcement of renewal, recent clashes suggest the pact remains lapsed. COCOMI has demanded all SoO groups be declared unlawful. - Civil Society’s Ultimatum:
COCOMI has set a 24-hour deadline for the government to revise its resolutions and take stronger actions. Failure to do so, they warned, will lead to intensified protests, including the closure of state and central government offices. - Home Minister’s Intervention:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is closely monitoring the situation, holding high-level meetings in Delhi to devise measures for restoring peace. - State on Edge:
The spiraling violence has raised concerns at the national level, with growing fears of prolonged instability in the region.
