Imphal:   The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Thursday issued a five-day ultimatum to central forces in Manipur, demanding decisive action against Kuki militants responsible for a drone bomb attack on September 1, which resulted in the death of a 31-year-old woman and injuries to several others in Koutruk village. COCOMI has threatened to organize large-scale protests if no action is taken by the deadline, aiming to prompt the withdrawal of central forces from the state.

COCOMI Coordinator Somorendro Thokchom criticized the central forces, numbering over 60,000, for their failure to address the militants behind the attacks. He expressed frustration with the central and state governments, accusing them of not adequately responding to the growing violence, and stated, “If the central forces cannot take action against these terrorists, they should leave Manipur.”

In reaction to the situation, COCOMI is planning a statewide human chain protest on September 6 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to demonstrate public discontent with the government’s handling of the crisis. The committee also called for the removal of Manipur’s Security Advisor and Director General of Police (DGP) for their perceived inability to manage the conflict.

Concerns were also raised about the rising use of drone bombs calling it a National Security threat and the committee criticized the central government for its lack of response, particularly since the attacks occurred near a key military camp.

COCOMI has resolved that if the central forces do not act within the five-day period, they should withdraw from Manipur. The committee also reiterated its demand for the Kuki group to be officially classified as a terrorist organization and for concrete steps to restore peace in the state.