Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Tensions in Manipur are boiling over. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has officially backed the United Naga Council (UNC) indefinite inter-district economic blockade. The alliance formed following the torching of six Meitei houses at Kanto Sabal on July 11. COCOMI blamed the attack on narco-terrorists.
The UNC blockade began on May 17, 2026. It followed the abduction of 18 Naga civilians on May 13. The bodies of six of those victims were found on June 10. The UNC now demands the arrest of the killers, the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and the cancellation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups. They want the Kuki National Front-President declared a terrorist organization.
The Uripok Apunba Lup (UAL) is demanding a federal probe into the July 11 arson. Six houses burned near the Leimakhong Army Cantonment. The organization alleges security forces blocked villagers and police from fighting the fire. UAL claims the incident proved serious security lapses despite the presence of the Army and Central security forces. One destroyed home belonged to former Indian footballer Laitonjam Sanathoi.
The Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) also condemned the attack. They criticized the security response during a visit by MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. The group alleged security forces used tear gas and lathi charges against residents instead of helping. DMCC also slammed Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam for his response. They stated, "The organisation described the incident as a targeted act of violence and called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the response of security agencies."
Displacement remains a critical issue. Many families have lived in relief camps since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023. Essential supplies are now scarce. The Kangpokpi district faces an acute humanitarian crisis as transport routes remain sealed. Groups continue to call for the total disarmament of all militant factions operating in the state.
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