New Delhi, Aug 07: In response to ongoing violence in Manipur, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has submitted a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate intervention to address the root causes and bring stability to the region. This article explores the key resolutions put forth by COCOMI and the urgency of the situation in Manipur.
A delegation from COCOMI recently presented a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through his office. The representation contains resolutions passed during a mass rally held on July 29, 2023, in Imphal, the capital of Manipur.
The key resolutions in the representation are as follows:
- Addressing Foreign Elements: COCOMI urges the Indian government to intervene promptly and address the presence of foreign elements, including some leaders of the Kuki-Zomi Suspension of Operation groups, who are of foreign origin. The representation calls for the identification, confinement, or deportation of these elements to Myanmar. Additionally, it seeks to eliminate or expel foreign elements directly involved in the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
- Protecting Territorial Integrity: The representation emphasizes the preservation of Manipur’s territorial integrity and the system of administration. Manipur has a rich history, and the Meitei community has been known for its sense of equity. The representation highlights that during its prosperous period, Manipur did not absorb any tribal communities, resulting in the existence of many small tribal communities today. Any alteration to the territorial integrity and administration could endanger these communities, leading to significant marginalization.
- Implementing National Register of Citizens: COCOMI advocates for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur with 1951 as the base year. The objective is to identify and exclude illegal immigrants from obtaining citizenship while allowing them to stay as guests if necessary. This measure is intended to prevent destructive politics driven by concocted histories and media manipulation to achieve the establishment of a Kuki-Zomi nation comprising areas from three countries.
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The representation also clarifies that the present conflict in Manipur is not based on religious or tribal differences.
According to the 2011 Census, the population of Hindus and Christians in Manipur is nearly equal, with Hindus constituting 41.39% and Christians 41.29%.
Contrary to the notion of a religious divide, the representation highlights that the tension primarily arises from issues such as deforestation, opium poppy cultivation, and significant demographic changes in specific areas. These changes have been predominantly caused by illegal immigrants from Myanmar.
It is crucial to understand that the ongoing conflict in Manipur is not merely a tribal versus non-tribal issue. In many tribal-dominated areas of the state, no significant tension exists. Instead, the conflict is a manifestation of long-standing simmering tensions related to deforestation, illegal activities like opium poppy cultivation, and demographic shifts caused by the influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar in specific regions.
The representation submitted by COCOMI to Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects the urgency of addressing the complex situation in Manipur. The resolutions put forth in the representation seek to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state, address the presence of foreign elements involved in the conflict, and implement measures to identify and exclude illegal immigrants. The representation also emphasizes that the conflict is not based on religious or tribal differences but rather on pressing socio-economic and demographic challenges.
As the Indian government evaluates the representation and deliberates on appropriate actions, it must prioritize the well-being and security of all communities in Manipur. Long-term solutions must be sought to address the root causes of tension and ensure a harmonious coexistence among diverse communities. It is only through thoughtful dialogue, inclusive policies, and comprehensive measures that lasting peace and stability can be achieved in Manipur.
