Manipur: COCOMI protest against killing of youth in Salungpham

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) staged a sit-in protest today at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community Hall. 

The protest condemned the Salungpham incident in Thoubal district, where Laishram Prem was allegedly killed, and the arrest of six individuals by Manipur police.

COCOMI also expressed opposition to the continued imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958. 

They criticised the alleged misuse of power by police commandos, accusing them of worsening tensions in the state.

The committee stated that the deceased, Laishram Prem and the six arrested individuals were village volunteers defending the state from narco-terrorist attacks. 

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They demanded stringent punishment for the police personnel involved in the alleged killing of Laishram Prem during the Salungpham firing on December 14. 

They also called for the unconditional release of the six arrested individuals.

Protesters held placards demanding an end to attacks on villages, accountability for the misuse of police commandos, and focused efforts to combat narco-terrorism. 

They urged security forces to shift their focus away from targeting Meitei communities and address the threats posed by narco-terrorists.

A key demand during the protest was the complete withdrawal of AFSPA, 1958. Protesters claimed that the act has led to prolonged unrest and has provided impunity to security forces in Manipur.