Indo-Naga Peace Talks on slippery slope; Manipur’s COCOMI stands firm on territorial integrity

IMPHAL | Sept 03, 2020:

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) said that the final agreement between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Centre should not affect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The COCOMI, on Wednesday, said that it had conveyed the wishes of the people of Manipur in the November meeting last year with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and warned of a befitting reply if the centre indulges in any action that goes against the wishes of the people of Manipur.

It also said that setting up of any institution or arrangement of a pan-Naga cultural body or allowing the Naga flag to fly in Manipur is unacceptable and will be strongly condemned by COCOMI.

It further said that any changes in the assurance given by the centre to COCOMI should be made by consulting the civil societies and the people of Manipur.

Last month, the talks between NSCN-IM and the Centre was inconclusive, yet again with the former demanding the removal of the interlocutor R. N Ravi, who is also the Governor of Nagaland.