The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has strongly condemned the inclusion of the term “Chin State of Manipur” in the North Eastern Council’s (NEC) Draft Vision Document 2047, calling it a grave and intentional error. The organization has demanded immediate legal action against those responsible, warning of widespread agitation if no visible steps are taken within five days. Addressing the media during a press conference, COCOMI coordinator Thokchom Somorendro expressed deep concern over the error, describing it as a direct threat to Manipur’s identity and indigenous population. “The mention of ‘Chin State of Manipur’ in the NEC draft document is not only unfortunate but appears to be a deliberate act to create confusion regarding Manipur’s identity,” he stated.
COCOMI emphasized that such errors have occurred before, recalling an incident when Bir Tikendrajit Airport in Imphal was mistakenly labeled as “Imphal Airport Lamka” on airline tickets. Although the issue was resolved with a clarification, no legal action was taken, which the committee views as insufficient. Thokchom further alleged instances where indigenous communities in Bishnupur district were coerced into adopting Kuki surnames on Aadhaar cards, allegedly resulting in denial of government benefits for those who refused. He also highlighted the renaming of several locations in Moreh, where traditional names have been replaced with Kuki names on centrally sponsored scheme cards like the NFSA.
COCOMI views these actions as deliberate attempts by certain groups, including illegal Kuki immigrants, to destabilize Manipur’s identity. The committee has resolved to launch a series of protests if both the state and central governments fail to initiate legal proceedings against those involved in these acts.
