Alleging misconduct COCOMI demands removal of Assam Rifles

Imphal: The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has intensified its call for the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Manipur, citing numerous documented incidents of misconduct and questionable actions by the paramilitary force. Retired BSF ADG, P.K. Mishra, has recently emphasized the need to remove one of the forces to reestablish peace and normalcy in the region.
People of the state have suspected the role of Assam Rifles since the outbreak of May 3, 2023 violence, which is further now substantiated, prompting the COCOMI to assert that the force must be the Assam Rifles.

COCOMI reports several documented incidents involving Assam Rifles. On May 7, 2023, local TV footage showed Assam Rifles vehicles delivering suspicious items to Kuki armed posts in the Dolaithabi area.

Following the fatal shooting of a jawan by suspected KRA militants on May 10, 2023, in the same location, Assam Rifles exhibited an indifferent attitude. Additionally, on June 2, 2023, Assam Rifles unlawfully blocked the entrance to Sugnu Police Station with their vehicles, hindering police operations.
Unarmed and non-violent women protestors encountered aggression from Assam Rifles personnel on several occasions: in Lilong on June 20, 2023, in Phaogakchao Ikhai on September 6, 2023, and in Pallel on September 8, 2023.

Also, during the Moreh town burning incident, Assam Rifles displayed an indifferent attitude, failing to take action.