COCOMI not to cross LOC, Zomi chiefs’ Association warns

Imphal: “Do not cross the Line of Control (LoC),” the Zomi Chiefs Association, General Headquarters (GHQ) said in an open letter to the Coordination Committee on Integrity of Manipur (COCOMI), citing obstacles. It was demanded to be removed. On Wednesday (September 6), an army set up along Tadim Road (Imphal-Churachandpur Road) at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district.
The letter was jointly signed by Zomi Chiefs Association (GHQ) President Pumzadou Thangsing and Zomi Chiefs Association (GHQ) General Secretary G Khamkhohau.
The letter said that in response to serious violations, the Government of India has deployed central security forces and established buffer zones, which have now turned into a Line of Control (LOC) through tribal lands. Meiteis demarcate the community.
It also stated that COCOMI had issued a press statement expressing its intentions to spread unrest in and around the LOC.
“We advise you to remain within the borders of Kangleipak and respect the territorial integrity of your tribal homelands,” the letter said.
Further, the letter stated, “We are fully prepared to protect our homelands and communities as in the past. COCOMI will be solely responsible for any consequences resulting from your actions.”
The ethnic violence that started on May 3, 2023 resulted in the tragic loss of over 150 innocent lives and forced displacement of over 50,000 people from their homes.