Northeast Desk, 16th February: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has vehemently condemned the recent incident in Churachandpur, terming it as a premeditated act to destroy documents related to illegal immigrants settled in the district.
In a press conference held at the COCOMI office in Imphal, spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba expressed deep regret over the incident, emphasizing the need for immediate and decisive action by the state government and law enforcement agencies to prevent the recurrence of such violence.
Athouba highlighted the incident’s purported connection to the suspension of a head constable, allegedly involved in collusion with armed miscreants targeting a Meitei village. He underscored the necessity for disciplinary measures to maintain law and order, citing previous instances of suspensions without resulting violence.
The spokesperson linked the unrest to recent announcements by Chief Minister N Biren Singh regarding the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants who entered the state after 1961. This declaration, according to COCOMI, may have incited the destruction of documents by illegal immigrants.
The protest in Churachandpur resulted in three fatalities and over 30 injuries, with demonstrators targeting government offices and tearing down the Indian National Flag. Reports from Manipur police indicated an attempt to storm the Churachandpur SP office following the suspension of the head constable allegedly seen with armed individuals.
Head constable Siamlalpaul has been suspended pending further investigation, with restrictions placed on his movement and allowances. The incident underscores the volatile situation in the region and the imperative for swift and effective measures to restore peace and stability.