Imphal: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has criticised the Centre’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, describing it as meaningless for people in Manipur amid the prolonged ethnic conflict, displacement and what it termed a continuing denial of basic rights.
In a statement, COCOMI said the conflict, which began on May 3, 2023, remains unresolved and that normal security and civic life have yet to return to large parts of the state.
The organisation pointed to the continued displacement of thousands of people, many of whom remain in relief camps and are unable to return to their native places.
COCOMI also raised concerns over access to key national highways and transit routes, claiming that restrictions on movement have left several communities geographically isolated.
The group said Meitei residents remain largely confined to the valley, comparing their situation to “fish in a bowl” because of the lack of safe routes to areas outside the valley.
The organisation further accused the Centre of failing to protect the constitutional rights of indigenous communities and alleged that New Delhi’s policies have contributed to what it described as systemic discrimination.
COCOMI also alleged that the Centre is prolonging the crisis through what it termed a “proxy war”, adding that the continued unrest has deepened the suffering of the people.
Questioning the relevance of celebrating national unity while these issues remain unresolved, COCOMI asked people to reconsider whether the national flag should be displayed as part of the campaign or whether black flags should instead be used as a symbol of mourning and protest.
The organisation said national unity campaigns would remain hollow gestures unless the government addresses displacement, security concerns, freedom of movement and the broader grievances arising from the ongoing conflict.