Manipur: Committee on Tribal Unity announces pre-emptive measures amid rising threats to Kuki-Zo community

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has announced a series of pre-emptive measures aimed at safeguarding the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur. They claim that this action follows the Union Home Ministry and Manipur state government's ongoing efforts to withdraw the 22 and 9 Assam Rifles from the Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi and Kangvai, Churachandpur, which CoTU sees as tacit endorsement of what they term a "mass genocide program" against the Kuki-Zo community.

The situation has been further inflamed by recent revelations, including an audio clip allegedly featuring Chief Minister N Biren Singh, in which he purportedly admits to orchestrating ethnic cleansing. This clip has exacerbated fears among the Kuki-Zo community, who have been calling for increased protection from the Government of India.

CoTU General Secretary Lamminlun Singsit has accused Chief Minister Singh and his associate, Promod Singh of Meitei Leepun, of a coordinated strategy to target the Kuki-Zo. Singsit cited a televised statement from Promod Singh on June 6, 2023, in which Singh allegedly threatened to "annihilate" the 15-kilometer stretch of Kangpokpi. This threat was reportedly echoed by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on June 7, 2023, when they issued a "Clarion Call" for action against the Kuki-Zo.

In response to these developments, CoTU has vowed to implement protective measures against what they perceive as an impending "second wave" of ethnic violence. Singsit warned that any resulting incidents would be attributed to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Manipur State Government.

He urged the Kuki-Zo community to remain vigilant, united and to avoid escalating tensions further.