COCOMI Condemns "Undemocratic" President's Rule in Manipur, Urges People to Stay Vigilant and United

While urging the people of Manipur to "remain vigilant and united against any attempt to subjugate them under military rule," the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) condemned the "undemocratic" imposition of President's Rule in the state. COCOMI stated that the "sudden and unreasonable imposition" of President's Rule by the Government of India, despite the BJP holding an absolute majority in the state, is seen as a deliberate attempt to push Manipur further into turmoil. "This move raises serious questions about the central government's true intentions, as it shifts the blame onto the alleged incompetence of its own BJP MLAs rather than addressing the real issues," the COCOMI said in a statement today.

The committee also alleged that the "forced resignation of the chief minister in the dead of night, just before a crucial state assembly session, without any proper explanation to the people, is a betrayal of democratic principles." The COCOMI statement continued, "The fundamental question remains unanswered: Was this decision made for the welfare of the people, or was it a calculated move to deepen the crisis?"

It further noted that what shocked the people of Manipur and the nation was that such a drastic decision was made without an alternative leader in place to ensure a smooth transition of governance.

Terming the move a "blatant power manoeuvre," COCOMI claimed that it indicates a sinister agenda to place Manipur, particularly the Meetei community, under direct military control. "This decision conveniently aligns with the longstanding demands of Kuki militants and separatist groups advocating for the imposition of AFSPA and President's Rule in Manipur," COCOMI pointed out, adding, "By allowing the central government to manipulate the state's crisis to their advantage, BJP leadership has jeopardized the rights and security of its own people."

Additionally, the failure of Manipur's BJP legislators to propose an alternative leader, despite holding a majority, exposes their true intent: they never entered politics for the welfare of the people but for personal gain. Their inaction has created an opportunity for central leadership to impose President's Rule under the guise of a leadership crisis. Instead of allowing the democratic process to function by conducting an internal election among legislators, they have abdicated their responsibilities and become mere pawns in a larger political game. Their selfish ambitions have effectively auctioned the people of Manipur to external forces in exchange for power.

COCOMI reiterated that this "undemocratic" imposition of President's Rule is unacceptable and undermines the very fabric of India's democratic system. The committee demanded an immediate, time-bound process to elect a new leader and restore a popular government at the earliest. It warned that failure to do so would make every BJP MLA and leader in Manipur directly accountable to the people for their political irresponsibility and betrayal. "The people of Manipur must remain vigilant and united against any attempt to subjugate them under military rule," it said, adding, "This crisis is not just about leadership; it is about the future of Manipur and the survival of its democratic rights."

Finally, COCOMI called on the people to rise against this "injustice" and demanded the immediate restoration of a legitimate government.