Amid Meitei body COCOMI protesting season; The Kuki-Zo Council applauds Manipur Governor Bhalla calling him 'beacon of hope'

The Kuki-Zo Council in a statement on Tuesday, May 27th late evening, extended its heartfelt appreciation to Manipur Governor A K Bhalla for his "earnest and commendable efforts" in initiating dialogue and promoting peace in the state. 

"At a time when ethnic tensions have deeply affected the fabric of our society, the Governor's outreach and commitment to fostering understanding and reconciliation between communities have been a beacon of hope for many," the statement said. 

Meitei protesters under the aegis of COCOMI locked the offices of Geological Survey of India and Election Commission on Tuesday over the concealing of the state's name from a government bus with journalists on board, which was heading to the Shirui Lily festival in the hills. 

Reportedly even signboards bearing "Government of India" were smeared with mud.

This was certainly a visible act of defiance against the Centre when the state is under President's Rule.   

The COCOMI leaders met Home Ministry officials A K Mishra and Rajesh Kamble in Delhi on Tuesday and decided that it will engage exclusively with the Government of India on all matters related to the Manipur crisis. 

The Kuki Zo Council in its statement said despite the efforts made by the Governor, "it is sad to know that politically motivated COCOMI is misleading the Meitei public and is hell-bent against the impartial Governor. 

Let COCOMI come out of their COCOON to see things rationally, it claimed.

"We also take this opportunity to appreciate the proactive steps taken by the government during the recently concluded Shiroy Lily Festival, particularly in the management of the Manipur State Transport (MST). 

The thoughtful arrangement helped avoid potential confrontations amidst the ongoing ethnic conflict. This gesture is a testament to the administration's sensitivity to the ground realities and its commitment to preventing escalation while encouraging cultural engagement and normaley," it said.

The Kuki-Zo Council also urged the "continuation" of such confidence-building measures and maintained that it "believes that peace is possible when all voices are heard and when every community's concerns and aspirations are acknowledged with dignity and fairness". 

In a statement after May 27th meeting with Home Ministry officials; the COCOMI reaffirmed its "unwavering commitment to peace and its willingness to cooperate in all genuine efforts to restore normalcy". 

It urged the Government of India to take prompt and effective action against anti-peace elements that continue to undermine peace initiatives," said a press statement made available here. 

"Both sides agreed to maintain communication and continue dialogue in the future, with a shared goal of restoring peace and stability in Manipur at the earliest," it said.  

The seven-member COCOMI delegation urged the centre to "acknowledge the public mandate and take steps to formally to escalate the resolution to higher levels of the Govt of India". 

COCOMI earlier demanded apology from Governor A K Bhalla for the bus 'name concealing' row. 

The Home Ministry officials assured that the matter has been noted for necessary governmental action.

ends