COCOMI has demanded transparency from the Manipur government over the identities of three injured Kuki individuals brought to RIMS after a firing incident in Kangpokpi district.
Imphal, June 16: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has demanded that the Manipur government disclose the identities and circumstances surrounding three injured Kuki individuals who were brought to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, for treatment following a recent firing incident in a hill village in Kangpokpi district.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the organisation questioned why the government had not provided any official clarification regarding the injured persons and alleged that the development had raised serious concerns among the public.
According to COCOMI, the decision to bring the three individuals to Imphal for medical treatment following the firing incident resembled a deliberate attempt to trigger further unrest at a time when public tensions had relatively subsided. The organisation stated that it viewed the matter seriously and believed there could be a larger design behind the move.
Referring to the ethnic conflict that began in Manipur on May 3, 2023, COCOMI said that many innocent civilians from both the Meetei and Kuki communities had lost their lives, while many others had suffered injuries and disabilities during the prolonged unrest.
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The organisation reiterated its long-standing position that it would not obstruct innocent Kuki civilians travelling to Imphal, including those seeking medical treatment. COCOMI maintained that its opposition was not directed towards ordinary civilians but towards what it described as armed elements involved in drug trafficking and activities linked to “Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists” allegedly crossing into the state from Myanmar.
At the same time, the organisation insisted that the government must provide complete transparency regarding the identities of the injured persons currently undergoing treatment. It argued that if the individuals were found to be associated with any armed or terrorist organisation, legal action should be initiated in accordance with the law.
COCOMI further questioned why state authorities had not publicly disclosed details about the injured individuals despite growing public concern. The organisation also sought clarification on the role of the security forces and the circumstances under which the injured persons were brought to Imphal.
While reiterating that it had no objection to Kuki civilians receiving medical treatment in the state capital, COCOMI questioned whether the Army and the state government were extending support to persons suspected of involvement in militant activities. It alleged that such actions could aggravate public sentiments and undermine efforts to restore peace and normalcy.
The organisation also referred to the recent killing of six Naga civilians, stating that public emotions remained high and that any perceived lack of transparency could further deepen mistrust. According to the statement, bringing the injured individuals to Imphal without publicly disclosing their identities had caused concern among sections of the population.
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COCOMI claimed that during more than three years of conflict, neither the state government nor central security forces had previously brought injured Kuki individuals to Imphal in a similar manner. The organisation said the timing of the latest development had raised questions about whether there was a deliberate attempt to prolong the conflict or create fresh tensions.
The committee also questioned both the Government of India and the Manipur government, alleging that accountability for the consequences of the prolonged unrest must rest with the authorities. It warned that continued lack of transparency and what it described as “engineered conspiracies” could further inflame public anger.
The organisation urged the government to immediately clarify the identities and backgrounds of the three injured individuals and to address public concerns before the situation escalates further.
