Imphal: Expressing deep frustration over what it perceives as governmental indifference to the protracted unrest in Manipur, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) today voiced strong condemnation of the Union Government’s seemingly swift response to the recent attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba asserted during a press briefing that the people of Manipur are being subjected to discriminatory treatment, akin to second-class citizens, by the central authorities.
Drawing a stark contrast between the handling of the nearly two-year-long Manipur crisis and the prompt reaction to the terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Athouba highlighted what he described as a clear bias in the government’s approach to its citizens across different regions. He argued that while the government readily identifies and acts against terrorist groups in regions like Kashmir, its stance appears notably more lenient and accommodating when dealing with similar elements that have allegedly infiltrated the Northeastern states from Myanmar. This perceived disparity in treatment by central leaders towards the Northeast has long been a source of significant unease, he stated.
“Even if the younger generation of the state considers themselves Indian, the Government of India’s repeated mishandling of the situation proves that we are treated as second-class citizens in our own country,” Athouba lamented. He pointed to the ongoing violence and instability that have plagued Manipur for close to two years, emphasizing the absence of any meaningful intervention or resolution from the Government of India. He further underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued absence from the state and his lack of engagement with the large number of displaced individuals who have been internally uprooted.
“The kind of partial treatment shown by the Government of India toward the people of Manipur will only deepen the sense of alienation rather than promote integration with the rest of the country,” Athouba warned. He also voiced strong criticism against the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, labeling it a failed and futile measure. According to Athouba, the populace had hoped that President’s Rule would usher in effective governance and a restoration of peace and order in both the hill and valley regions. However, these hopes have been dashed, with no tangible improvements witnessed on the ground.
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