Mon Feb 17 19:08:48 UTC 2025: ## Manipur’s Meitei Community Urges Governor to Restore Elected Government Amidst Ethnic Violence

IMPHAL, Manipur – A leading Meitei civil society group, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), has called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to reinstate an elected government within one month. The request comes amidst ongoing ethnic violence in the state, which led to the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13th following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

In a 13-point memorandum submitted to the Governor, COCOMI outlined several steps to restore peace. The group contends that the current crisis is primarily driven by those seeking a separate administration, not by the Meitei community itself. Key demands include the dismantling of illegal settlements threatening the state’s demographic and environmental integrity, a halt to all violent activities by armed groups, and security and amnesty for affected villages and their defense forces.

COCOMI strongly opposes any creation of a separate administration, emphasizing the need to safeguard Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity. The group accused Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist separatist groups, allegedly aligned with the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) in Myanmar, of fueling the conflict. They further urged a review and potential termination of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo militant groups, citing concerns about their involvement in the violence.

The memorandum also highlighted the urgent need for the reestablishment of law and order, relief and financial assistance for victims, the reconstruction of destroyed villages, the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the restoration of safe access to essential services.

While the Raj Bhavan confirmed receiving the memorandum and acknowledged COCOMI’s concerns, the Governor urged cooperation in restoring harmony. The ongoing conflict between the Kuki tribes and the Meiteis, which began in May 2023, stems from disputes over land rights and political representation. The situation remains tense, with the future of Manipur’s governance hanging in the balance.

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