Sun Jan 19 14:21:57 UTC 2025: ## Manipur Group Demands NRC, Border Fence to Curb Violence

**Imphal, Manipur –** A leading Manipur civil society group, the Meitei group Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), has issued a strong call for the central government to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state to identify and address illegal immigration from Myanmar. The demand comes amid ongoing ethnic violence that has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands.

COCOMI coordinator Somendro Thokchom stated that the lack of central government action, including in the wake of recent bomb attacks like the January 14th incident in Kadangband, demonstrates a disregard for the state’s citizens. He further emphasized the need for immediate completion of fencing along the India-Myanmar border to prevent the illegal flow of immigrants, arms, and drugs, which COCOMI believes are key drivers of the conflict.

Beyond border security measures, Thokchom called for a military crackdown on Kuki militants, asserting that this is crucial to ending the violence. He also highlighted the need for the central government to address unresolved cases, such as the November killings of three women and three children in Jiribam district and the disappearance of a man from an army camp.

COCOMI also urged the establishment of refugee detention camps for Myanmarese nationals, but stressed that these should not be solely located in Manipur due to the state’s limited resources. The group believes that the implementation of the NRC and addressing illegal immigration are vital steps towards restoring peace and stability in Manipur.

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