The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a key civil society body, has welcomed the recent meeting between Meitei and Kuki-Zo BJP legislators in Delhi, calling it a crucial and delayed move towards restoring stability in the conflict-ridden state.
A Positive Step Towards Dialogue and Peace
COCOMI convener Khuraijam Athouba stated that the initiative, while overdue, is a positive development. He stressed that continued dialogue among lawmakers from all communities is essential to achieve lasting peace, normalcy, and coexistence in Manipur. "Better late than never. Such initiatives must continue and translate into amicable solutions for lasting peace," Athouba remarked.
Focus on Security for Displaced Families
In a parallel development focused on ground realities, a COCOMI delegation met with security advisor Kuldiep Singh on Tuesday. They presented a detailed map highlighting strategic points where security deployment is critically needed. This proposal aims to facilitate the safe return and rehabilitation of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their original villages.
Singh assured the group that a follow-up meeting would be organized involving the Director General of Police, other senior police officials, COCOMI representatives, and local IDP leaders to finalize the new security arrangements.
Ground Assessment and Protests Continue
As part of its ongoing protest campaign, now in its 16th day, COCOMI representatives visited the Moirang College relief camp on Monday. They spent the night with IDPs who have been living there for over two and a half years, highlighting the prolonged humanitarian crisis.
The delegation listened to the displaced families' daily struggles, their uncertainty, and the delays in returning home. On Tuesday morning, the team conducted field assessments in the Phougakchao Ikhai and Torbung areas of Bishnupur district. They later visited the Ithai relief camp, which still shelters approximately 83 IDPs.
Khuraijam Athouba indicated that COCOMI plans to formally engage with district administrations in the next two to three days to push for resettlement in areas where conditions permit. However, he acknowledged that security deployment remains a significant challenge that must be addressed for any successful return process. The committee's actions underscore a dual approach: endorsing political dialogue at the top while actively working on the security and humanitarian groundwork necessary for sustainable peace.
