CoTU refutes allegations against UPF leader
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 11 2025: Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) expressed serious concern over the recent remarks made by UPF talks delegate Ketheos Zomi against UPF spokesperson Aaron Kipgen alleging that the latter lacks public support.

Terming the allegations as misleading, unfounded and divisive at a time when Kuki-Zo tribal unity and strategic clarity are critical, the CoTU said Aaron Kipgen enjoys full legitimacy as spokesperson of UPF and general secretary of KNF, a key constituent of the UPF .

Under the leadership of its president ST Thangboi Kipgen, the KNF exercises effective control in Kangpokpi, particularly over the strategically vital NH-2 corridor and holds significant sway over CSOs, VVFs and public.

Aaron Kipgen is fully backed by his organisation and grassroots networks, the CoTU said adding that Ketheos Zomi appears to conflate unrelated matters by dragging Aaron Kipgen into internal disputes regarding Calvin H, a former ZRA cadre now associated with KNO, who is also a part of the talks delegates sharing the same platform along with his dissent organisations, the ZRA/ ZRO.

These are internal matters between ZRO and KNO and have no bearing on KNF's representation or Aaron's role, the CoTU asserted.

It maintained that UPF is a collective platform, not the domain of any single community or faction and no member has the authority to undermine another's representation unilaterally.

It also said that public accusations damage the collective cause, dilute collective voice of public and send a confused signal to the Government of India at a critical time.

The COTU urged Ketheos Zomi and all stakeholders to respect the contributions of each UPF member, avoid divisive rhetoric and address internal concerns through proper UPF coordination mechanism, not on any other platforms.

While asserting that people of Kangpokpi stand firmly behind Aaron Kipgen and KNF leadership, the CoTU urged all leaders to act with maturity, mutual respect and a commitment to collective progress as questioning Aaron Kipgen's mandate is akin to disregarding the ground realities of Kangpokpi.

It also said that individual frustrations should not allow to derail Kuki-Zo tribal unity for separate administration in the form of Union Territory with Legislature under Article 239-A of the Constitution of India.

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