COCOMI demands decisive action against COTU : 05th mar25 ~ E-Pao! Headlines

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COCOMI demands decisive action against COTU
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 04 2025: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has called for immediate and decisive legal action against the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and its leadership for openly challenging the sovereignty of the Nation.

COTU, by openly challenging the authority of the Union Home Minister and the Government of India, is posing a direct threat to National unity, law and order and the sovereignty of the Indian State, COCOMI asserted in a statement.

COTU's so-called "unbreakable declaration of the Kuki-Zo community" is nothing short of a secessionist manifesto that incites unrest, endorses illegal blockade tactics, and openly defies the democratic and Constitutional framework of the country.

This rhetoric of defiance and extremism, issued on a public platform, warrants immediate legal and administrative intervention, it said.

By declaring their struggle for a 'Separate Administration' as 'non-negotiable' and threatening to 'carve their own path, no matter the cost,' COTU has openly challenged the Constitutional framework of India.

This defiance undermines the authority of the Union Home Minister and disrespects the due process of law, COCOMI remarked.

COTU's statement that 'no free movement shall be permitted in Kuki-Zo land' is an unlawful act that directly contravenes the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

No entity or community has the legal right to impose restrictions on citizens' movement within Indian territory, it pointed out.

COTU's warning that 'no Kuki-Zo volunteer shall be arrested' and that 'any such action will be met with consequences' is an outright challenge to the rule of law.

The explicit statement that COTU will 'unleash total resistance' if the Government enforces peace without addressing their demands is a clear act of rebellion, COCOMI asserted.

The declaration that their demand for a Union Territory with legislature is 'final' and 'not negotiable' contradicts the democratic principles of dialogue and resolution.

This inflexible stance is a deliberate attempt to destabilize peace efforts in Manipur, it said.

COTU's call for 'No peace before separation' exposes their role in perpetuating violence.

By making peace conditional upon separation, COTU has blatantly revealed itself as the primary instigator of the violence in Manipur, it asserted.

Their statement justifies continued unrest and conflict solely to push their vested political agenda.

This proves beyond doubt that the turmoil in Manipur since May 3, 2023, has been premeditated and orchestrated by COTU to justify their demand for separation, COCOMI said.

It said that instead of seeking peace, COTU has deliberately blamed the Meetei community to cover up their own planned acts of aggression and violence.

The sharp resistance from COTU to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive to restore free movement on all roads by March 8, and their dictating words of defiance have once again shattered the hopes of the people for peace and stability, it decried.

If the Union Home Minister fails once again to keep his word, it could be the last time the people who genuinely want peace in the State place their trust in him.

This is not the first time the Union Home Minister has failed to keep his promises during this crisis, and repeated failures only deepen the people's frustration and sense of abandonment, it said.

COCOMI then urged the Union Home Minister and the Government of India to take immediate and decisive legal action against COTU and its leadership for openly challenging the sovereignty of the Nation.

The Central Government ought to direct law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible for issuing this inflammatory statement, ensure strict enforcement of law and order to prevent further incitement and blockades in Manipur, and uphold the democratic fabric of India by reaffirming that no community or group can dictate terms that challenge National integrity, it demanded.

COTU's reckless provocation is a direct affront to the peace and stability of Manipur.

The Government of India must not allow such open defiance of its authority to go unchecked, it said.

Reaffirming its commitment to a united Manipur, COCOMI demanded accountability for those attempting to undermine National sovereignty.

"COCOMI will not stand idle as elements with divisive intentions attempt to sow discord in the region.

The law must prevail, and immediate action is imperative to uphold the integrity of the State", it added.

* This news is as published by respected news daily at Imphal, whose name is duly marked as 'Source'. E-Pao.net is not responsible for it's sanctity & originality.

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