Manipur: Churachandpur violence an attempt to destroy evidence of illegal immigration, claims COCOMI

IMPHAL: Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has denounced the violence in Churachandpur district of Manipur, labeling it as a premeditated act aimed at destroying documents related to illegal immigrants settled in the district.

COCOMI spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba condemned the violence in Churachandpur district of Manipur, while emphasizing the need for the state government to take measures to prevent further escalation of tension.

COCOMI highlighted that the incident was believed to be a reaction to the suspension of a head constable, who was allegedly involved in collaborating with armed miscreants targeting a Meitei village.

Athouba pointed out previous instances where disciplinary actions were taken against officials without resulting in violence, contrasting them with the recent events.

The organization suggested that the announcement by Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh regarding the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants might have incited the destruction of related documents by those affected.

Tragically, three protestors lost their lives and over 30 others were injured during the demonstration in Churachandpur, which turned violent following the suspension of the head constable accused of firing on innocent civilians in collusion with armed militants.

During the unrest, unidentified miscreants set ablaze the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police offices in Churachandpur and tore down the Indian National Flag from government buildings.

According to Manipur police reports, a mob attempted to storm the Churachandpur SP office following the suspension of Head Constable Siamlalpaul, who was allegedly seen in a viral video with armed individuals and village volunteers.