Imphal’s Ethnic Conflict Rooted in Political Failure, Claims Civil Society Group
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei civil society organization, has blamed the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur on a profound lack of genuine political leadership. Coordinator Thockhom Somorendro, speaking to the media alongside other COCOMI leaders on Sunday, sharply criticized both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, accusing them of prioritizing party interests over the welfare of the Manipuri people.
Somorendro expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly in Kangpokpi district, citing widespread misgovernance and incompetence within the state’s security apparatus. He specifically condemned the Director General of Police and the government’s Security Advisor for their perceived failure to adequately address the crisis. He highlighted the January 3rd attack on the Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police’s office, resulting in injuries to SP Manoj Prabhakar, and the lack of subsequent action against the perpetrators. Furthermore, he decried the killing of a Meitei village volunteer by security forces and the subsequent arrests of individuals defending their communities, alleging bias and partiality in the security forces’ response. He stated that the security forces’ actions appeared to be partial and biased, totally failing to address the growing unrest.
The COCOMI leader also criticized the ongoing blockade of National Highway 2 by certain organizations, questioning the inaction of the state’s substantial security forces deployment. He accused the state of being embroiled in a “proxy war,” further alleging widespread corruption and exorbitant payments demanded for government jobs. Somorendro lamented the normalization of corruption within Manipur, hindering progress and eroding public trust in leadership due to excessive reliance on ministers and MLAs.
In a separate development, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has temporarily lifted its indefinite economic blockade of National Highway 2 and the 24-hour shutdown in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi. This decision follows an agreement with authorities regarding the deployment of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in the Saibol region of Lhungtin Subdivision. However, the CoTU issued a strong warning: failure to withdraw remaining CAPF units from Kuki-Zo inhabited areas within 48 hours will result in renewed and intensified protests.