COCOMI calls CoTU's stand alarming, open defiance of GoI
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 04 2025: Terming as 'provocative and inflammatory' the statement issued by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) on Monday, Coordination Committee on Mani pur Integrity (COCOMI) asserted that CoTU's stand tantamount to openly challenging the authority of the Union Home Minister and the Government of India.

Reacting to CoTU's declaration that there shall be no free movement in Kuki-Zo areas in response to the directive issued by union home minister Amit Shah to make the national highways safe for all, a statement issued by COCOMI Information and Public Relations Sub Committee convenor Laikhuram Jayanta said: "This brazen declaration is not only unconstitutional but a direct threat to national unity, law and order, and the sovereignty of the Indian state.

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".

The convenor also noted that 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.

The 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".

Further pointing out that 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, Jayanta emphasised that the demand for impunity for individuals engaging in disruptive activities must be met with strict legal repercussions.

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

Such statements by so called civilian groups called COTU encourage violence and create an atmosphere of intimidation and civil unrest.

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.

COTU's call for 'no peace before separation' exposes their role in perpetuating violence," opined the convenor.

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

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.

Instead of seeking peace, COTU has deliberately blamed the Meetei community to cover up their own planned acts of aggression and violence".

While hailing the Union Home Minister's directive to restore free movement on all state roads by March 8 as a bold and necessary step to restore normalcy in Manipur, Jayanta expressed that the sharp resistance from CoTU and its dictating words of defiance have once again shattered the hopes of the people for peace and stability.

Urging the central government for an immediate response to ensure a sense of security and confidence among the people, COCOMI maintained that 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.

While recounting that the Union Home Minister had failed to keep his promises in the past, Jayanta cautioned that repeated failures would only deepen the people's frustration and sense of abandonment.

As such, COCOMI 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.

"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.

Uphold the democratic fabric of India by reaffirming that no community or group can dictate terms that challenge national integrity," demanded COCOMI .

As CoTU's reckless provocation is a direct affront to the peace and stability of Manipur, the time for action is now, said the COCOMI, reiterating that the Government of India must not allow such open defiance of its authority to go unchecked.

COCOMI also reaffirmed commitment to a united Manipur, demanded accountability for those attempting to undermine national sovereignty and called upon all democratic institutions, civil society organisations, and responsible citizens to denounce CoTU's dangerous separatist rhetoric.

"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," added the convenor's statement.

Comment