COCOMI reminds all to be alert

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 27: The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has called upon all the people of the State to remain alert and carry on different forms of mass movement till October 31.
Speaking to media persons at the Kwakeithel office of the Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroisingi Sinpanglup (AIMS) today, COCOMI coordinator Sunil Karam reiterated that a solution to the political dialogue going on between the Government of India and NSCN-IM may be sealed by October 31.
This imminent solution has become a source of anxiety and deep apprehension among the masses in Manipur.
He then appealed to all the people to remain alert and prepared for any eventuality arising out of the solution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance to consult all stake holders before a final solution is worked out can no longer be trusted as the deadline of October 31 is just five days away, Sunil Karam said.
Moreover, the Prime Minister is yet to give any reply to the many memorandums submitted by the people of Manipur on the Naga issue.
“Meanwhile, the Central Government has been planning to send a large number of Central paramilitary forces to the State according to media reports and our own sources”, said the coordinator.
He then questioned as to why additional forces should be sent to Manipur after the Prime Minister had assured that any solution to the Naga issue would not harm the integrity and territorial boundary of Manipur.
The plan to send more troops to the State has only multiplied people’s apprehension that the Naga solution would disintegrate or pave way for disintegration of Manipur, he remarked.
He then appealed to all the people to hold extensive mass rallies on October 31. A team of COCOMI is currently stationed at Delhi and they have made necessary arrangements to hold an alert meeting at Jantar Mantar, Sunil said.
Sunil asked the State Government to take up all possible measures in order to protect the integrity of Manipur instead of just sitting idle on the pretext that there has been no communication from New Delhi on the Naga peace talk.
COCOMI assistant coordinator Pheiroijam Nando Luwang said that a team of COCOMI met the Governor and the Chief Minister yesterday.
Both the Governor and the Chief Minister claimed that they are aware of the collective will of the people of Manipur and there is nothing to be worried about at the moment.   
Yet, Nando urged both the Governor and the Chief Minister to make all efforts to see that no harm is done to the interest of Manipur.
The present worrisome situation of Manipur is a direct outcome of the merger of Manipur into the Indian Union. If the Government of India sees Manipur as its State, New Delhi should safeguard the people, integrity, boundary and territory of Manipur, he asserted.
He warned that Manipur will see events more ferocious and violent than the one witnessed in June 2001 in case the Naga solution impinges upon the interest of Manipur. In such an eventuality, the Government of India and the State Government should bear all the responsibilities.
Longjam Ratankumar, another assistant coordinator of COCOMI, said that they have already asked the State Government to convene a special session of the State Assembly and adopt a firmer resolution.
However, the expectation for a special session of the State Assembly and a firmer resolution which would have legal binding and would be viewed more seriously by the Government of India has vanished, Ratankumar decried.
Meanwhile, reports have been received that one organisation named as if one community has a separate State or territory would hold  a meeting at Imphal pertaining to demand for homeland.
He then asked all concerned to stop all campaigns and political manoeuvres centred around demands for homeland, autonomy or territorial council because such demands would pave way for establishment of State within a State.
He also appealed to all the people including senior citizens, academicians, intellectuals, cultural activists, sportspersons and eminent personalities to join and carry on the different modes of mass civil movements already announced by COCOMI.
Assistant coordinator (media in-charge) Jeetendra Ningomba appealed to all concerned not to upload posts and comments in social media which may strain inter-community relationship.
In solidarity with the mass civil movements being spearheaded by COCOMI, several women organisations held public alert street corner meetings at different markets located in and around Khwairamband Keithel today.
Protest movements were also staged at Kakwa, Chajing, Lilong, Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi, Koirengei, Khurai Lamlong, Kusum Oil Pump, Checkon Keithel Macha, Kongba, Singjamei, Naoremthong, Tera and Kwakeithel.
Members and leaders of several women organisations would take out a mass rally from New Checkon and they would submit a memorandum to the Governor and the Chief Minister tomorrow, Jeetendra said. Another alert public meeting was also held at Tiger Camp, Imphal East today.
The public meeting was participated by womenfolk belonging to Gorkha (Nepali), Meitei Pangal, Kuki and Meitei communities.
The meeting resolved to fight back collectively in case any force challenges the integrity of Manipur.