Thokchom Somorendro, Coordinator of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), has alleged that the Indian government’s policies in Manipur are driven by ulterior motives linked to regional projects and international strategies. Speaking at a press conference in Imphal, he highlighted the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project as a major factor influencing the government’s actions in the state.

Somorendro accused the government of aligning with Kuki militants to advance strategic goals while suppressing other armed movements. He criticized the “divide and rule” approach, citing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with groups not actively in conflict with the state.

He also linked the push for a separate Kuki administration to the narcotics trade and poppy cultivation, suggesting government factions might indirectly benefit from the trade, referencing a claim by a professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Somorendro further argued that Manipur’s merger with India violated the Instrument of Accession and disregarded resolutions passed by the state’s Assembly, fueling historical grievances and insurgencies.

COCOMI called for a military crackdown on Kuki militants violating national laws and urged unified efforts to uphold Manipur’s integrity, asserting that the crisis stems from viewing the state as an occupied territory rather than a sovereign entity.