Manipur: CoTU reshuffles leadership in annual review, Lamminthang Kipgen elected Chairman

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a prominent Kuki-Zo civil society body in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, has effected a major leadership reshuffle following its annual review and election of new office-bearers.

 

The leadership changes were announced during a meeting held at the Kangpokpi Christian Church under the aegis of the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (KISH) and the Sadar Hills Chiefs Association (SAHILCA).

 

Lamminthang Kipgen was elected Chairman of CoTU, while Lunseh Kipgen and Thongjalun Mate were appointed Vice Chairmen.

 

N.S. Gangte was elected General Secretary and Thangpilun Lhoujem Assistant Secretary. Nicky Vaiphei was appointed Finance Secretary, while Manghekam Kipgen took charge as Secretary of the Information and Media Cell.

 

The review and election were conducted in the presence of leaders of various civil society organisations and Kuki-Zo tribal bodies from across Kangpokpi district. The newly elected office-bearers were formally inducted into their respective responsibilities, followed by a dedication and blessing prayer led by Rev. K. Hangshing, Chairman of the Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship.

 

The reshuffle comes nearly a year into CoTU’s existing two-year mandate. The organisation was reformed and reconstituted on August 23, 2025, under the aegis of KISH and SAHILCA, with its two-year tenure subject to an annual performance review.

 

The latest exercise marks the first major leadership change under the reconstituted framework, with the annual review mechanism paving the way for a new team at the helm.

 

Meanwhile, CoTU is scheduled to expand its cabinet on August 19, with the induction of new members expected to further strengthen and broaden its organisational structure.

 

The annual review meeting and election concluded with a motivational feast.