COCOMI described COTU’s so-called “Unbreakable Declaration of the Kuki-Zo Community,” as a secessionist manifesto that incites unrest, supports illegal blockades, and defies India’s democratic framework. COCOMI called for immediate legal and administrative intervention to address this extremist rhetoric.
TFM Report
In a strongly worded statement, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has slammed the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) for its provocative and inflammatory declaration challenging the authority of the Union Home Minister and the Government of India.
COTU made an “Unbreakable Declaration of the Kuki-Zo Community” on March 3, 2025. This brazen declaration is not only unconstitutional but a direct threat to national unity, law and order, and the sovereignty of the Indian state, said COCOMI in a statement issued by issued by Laikhuram Jayanta, Convenor, Sub-Committee Information and Public Relation COCOMI.
It maintained that 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.
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, said COCOMI.
Stating that COTU’s defiance undermines the authority of the Union Home Minister and disrespects the due process of law, COCOMI said its 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 added.
On COTU’s warning that ‘no Kuki-Zo volunteer shall be arrested’ and that ‘any such action will be met with consequences’, COCOMI said it is an outright challenge to the rule of law. “The demand for impunity for individuals engaging in disruptive activities must be met with strict legal repercussions,” it added.
COCOMI also describes COTU’s explicit statement that it will ‘unleash total resistance’ if the Government enforces peace without addressing their demands as 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, it said.
COCOMI criticized COTU’s declaration that their demand for a Union Territory with Legislature is ‘FINAL’ and ‘non-negotiable,’ stating that it contradicts democratic principles of dialogue and resolution.
COCOMI stated that COTU’s rigid stance is a deliberate attempt to undermine peace efforts in Manipur. Their call for ‘No Peace Before Separation’ clearly exposes their role in sustaining violence.
By making peace conditional on separation, COTU has openly positioned itself as the chief instigator of unrest in Manipur. Their statement justifies ongoing conflict solely to advance their political agenda.
This, COCOMI asserted, leaves no doubt that the turmoil in Manipur since May 3, 2023, has been premeditated and orchestrated by COTU to legitimize their demand for separation.
It stated that rather than striving for peace, COTU has deliberately shifted blame onto the Meetei community to conceal their own premeditated acts of aggression and violence.
COCOMI stated that the Union Home Minister’s directive to restore free movement on all state roads by March 8 is a bold and necessary step toward restoring normalcy in Manipur.
However, it emphasized that COTU’s strong resistance and defiant rhetoric have once again crushed the people’s hopes for peace and stability. COCOMI called for an immediate response from the central government to restore a sense of security and confidence among the people.
COCOMI warned that if the Union Home Minister fails once again to uphold his commitment, it may be the last time those who genuinely seek peace in the state place their trust in him.
It further asserted that this is not the first time the Union Home Minister has failed to fulfill his promises during this crisis, and repeated failures only deepen the people’s frustration and sense of abandonment.
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 nation’s sovereignty.
COCOMI called on 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 nation’s sovereignty.
It urges the authorities to direct law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible for issuing this inflammatory statement.
COCOMI also demands the strict enforcement of law and order to prevent further incitement and blockades in Manipur.
Furthermore, it stresses the need to uphold India’s democratic fabric by reaffirming that no community or group can impose terms that undermine national integrity.
COCOMI condemned COTU’s reckless provocation as a direct threat to the peace and stability of Manipur, emphasizing that immediate action is necessary. It urged the Government of India to prevent such open defiance of its authority from going unchecked.
“We reaffirm our commitment to a united Manipur,” COCOMI declared.
“We demand accountability for those attempting to undermine national sovereignty.”
“We call upon all democratic institutions, civil society organizations, and responsible citizens to denounce this dangerous separatist rhetoric.”
COCOMI asserted that it will not remain passive while divisive forces attempt to sow discord in the region. It stressed that the law must prevail and that swift action is crucial to uphold the integrity of the state.