A crucial meeting was held in New Delhi on Tuesday, May 27th between representatives of Ministry of Home Affairs and representatives of apex Metitei body COCOMI.
"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".
On the mega row related to hiding/concealing the name of 'Manipur' in a state government bus; the COCOMI delegation conveyed the strong sentiments and demands of the people.
The Home Ministry officials assured that the matter has been noted for necessary governmental action.
The Govt of India was represented by adviser north east A K Mishra and Joint Director Rajesh Khamble, sources said.
"Reaffirming the stand taken during the People's Convention, COCOMI clarified that it will engage exclusively with the Government of India on all matters related to the Manipur crisis.
"It reiterated its rejection of the legitimacy of Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups and engaging with the innocent Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar civilians who are the genuine citizens of the state shall be handle accordingly after sorting out the anti-peace elements."
In Manipur, the "SoO groups" refers to Kuki and Zomi insurgent groups that have signed Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with the government of India. These groups, initially engaged in armed conflict, agreed to suspend their operations and engage in dialogue.
All the SoO groups are primarily based in the hill districts of Manipur.
"Narco-Terrorism and Armed Groups"
The vexed Narco terrorism issue was also flagged off.
The COCOMI has expressed deep concern over the growing threats posed by narco-terrorism, cross border illegal immigration including widespread illegal opium cultivation,rampant forest encroachment, and the deteriorating law and order situation.
The COCOMI delegation highlighted that proceeds from these illicit activities are being used to fund armed groups led by foreign-based individuals.
Alarmingly, these groups have been in political dialogue with the Government of India since 2008 and continue to receive "financial support and shelter under the banner of the peace process", it was alleged.
COCOMI appealed to the Government of India to urgently review its engagement with these groups.
Issues which Requires Immediate Intervention:
"The delegation also highlighted several critical issues requiring immediate attention and urgent intervention from the Government to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.
These include ensuring free movement of people, safeguarding farmers' right to cultivation along with appropriate compensation for their losses, protection of sacred religious sites, justice for missing persons, and the resettlement and redressal of grievances of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
COCOMI delegation members present at the meeting included Khuraijam Athouba (convener) and Y K Dhiren among others.
ends
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