COCOMI criticises Manipur's Home Minister over remarks on IDP repatriation, accusing the state government of failing to take decisive action to restore peace.
Imphal, Nov. 10: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has criticised the state's Home Minister over his remarks on the proposed return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their respective homes, accusing the government of failing to take decisive measures to resolve the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
In a press release issued on November 10, COCOMI described the Home Minister's remarks at the closing ceremony of the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) 2026 as irresponsible. The organisation said his statement reflected a lack of civic responsibility and raised questions about the government's commitment to restoring normalcy in the state.
The Home Minister had reportedly stated at the closing ceremony that repatriating IDPs currently staying in relief camps to their homes was a simple task, but expressed apprehension that they could face difficulties if violence erupted again.
COCOMI acknowledged the government's initiative to organise MANITEX 2026 as a positive step towards promoting Manipuri craftsmanship and handloom products before a global audience. However, it maintained that the Home Minister's comments on the return of displaced people exposed the administration's failure to establish conditions necessary for their safe and sustainable rehabilitation.
The organisation argued that the statement suggested the government was still waiting for the situation to improve on its own rather than implementing decisive measures to address the crisis.
COCOMI further questioned the government's handling of the prolonged conflict, stating that Manipur had remained unable to restore peace for more than three and a half years.
It said the government's position on the nature of the conflict had been inconsistent, with the administration at different times describing it as an inter-community clash and, on other occasions, attributing it to a handful of elements opposed to peace.
According to COCOMI, such statements from a person holding the office of Home Minister were particularly concerning, as the position carried the responsibility of protecting the people and maintaining security in the state.
The organisation also accused the government of failing to take adequate action against armed groups allegedly involved in killings and arson over the past three years. It described the administration as a "paper tiger", arguing that it had largely remained a spectator while issuing occasional appeals to the public instead of demonstrating the resolve required to protect citizens and contain violence.
The press release also criticised remarks made by a government spokesperson at an event, in which the public was reportedly urged not to criticise or speak against the administration but instead offer suggestions for resolving the conflict.
COCOMI termed the spokesperson's remarks another example of the government's irresponsible approach. It maintained that intellectuals, experts and members of the public had repeatedly submitted suggestions and recommendations since the outbreak of the crisis, outlining possible ways to address the situation.
However, the organisation alleged that the government had failed to properly consider or implement these recommendations, contributing to the prolonged nature of the conflict.
It said asking the public to provide further suggestions while failing to demonstrate tangible progress towards restoring peace was inappropriate, particularly when people continued to face hardship because of the prevailing situation.
COCOMI warned that repeated statements without corresponding action could further aggravate public anger. It called on the government to immediately take concrete and appropriate steps to restore peace and make its actions known to the people.
The statement was issued by Ph. Sayamchand (Phijam Shyamchand), Convenor of COCOMI's IPR Sub-Committee.
