‘Curb illegal migration, drugs and arms trafficking’: Khuraijam Athouba

Khuraijam Athouba is the convenor of the Coordination Committee on Manipur Unity (COCOMI), an apex body of several organisations representing the Meiteis. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits conflict-ravaged Manipur on Saturday, Athouba tells DH’s Sumir Karmakar about the community’s expectations.

Excerpts: 

The ongoing crisis in Manipur demands statesmanship, sincerity, and decisive action. The Prime Minister’s visit after such a long absence carries both symbolic and practical weight. It must not be reduced to tokenism or selective engagement. Instead, it should address the core issues that continue to destabilise the state.

The COCOMI’s stand is clear: the detection of illegal immigrants and immigrant-origin populations in Manipur is the key to resolving the unnatural demographic expansion that has severely distorted the state’s social and political balance. An NRC or a similar robust mechanism is essential.

Equally important is the resettlement of all displaced persons to their rightful homes with dignity and security. Prolonged confinement in relief camps only deepens trauma, disrupts livelihoods, and erodes trust in the State. Civilians must be freed from such forced conditions without further delay.

 The crisis also demands an aggressive crackdown on narco-terrorism and deforestation caused by illegal poppy cultivation in the hills. The nexus between armed groups and the narcotics economy is a cancer that fuels violence, corruption, and cross-border infiltration. Cessation of all illegal armed movements, coupled with the disarmament of armed terrorist-held territories in the hills, is non-negotiable if normalcy is to be restored.

The prime minister must acknowledge the reality of proxy war in the name of the deceptive Suspension of Operation pact, cross-border demographic imbalance and the rising narcotic menace, all of which are central to the state’s crisis. Detection and control of anti-peace elements should be prioritised, and open defiance of peace initiatives must be dealt with firmly.

 Equally crucial is ensuring the constitutional guarantees and fundamental rights of every Manipuri, which have been curtailed or denied for the past two years, especially the right to free movement across every part of the state. Without the restoration of these rights, peace will remain hollow and incomplete.

This visit must not carry even the slightest trace of exclusion or ethnic favouritism. Any attempt to “ethnicise” citizenship or statehood will only accelerate Balkanisation rather than foster unification. The PM’s message must instead reaffirm equality, justice, and security for all indigenous peoples of Manipur.

 Finally, the PM must issue a clear warning to all forces that obstruct peace, exploit the vulnerable, or seek to destabilise the state. We must not tolerate proxy wars, narco-terrorism, or demographic aggression.

 This is a critical moment. A visit that acknowledges the truth, sets clear priorities, and acts with fairness will inspire confidence and unity. A visit that ignores these realities will only deepen wounds and distrust.