Northeast Desk, 2nd September: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has publicly criticized the state Home Department for what it describes as a biased and selective response to the ongoing conflict in the region. The CoTU expressed its deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the recent Koutruk incident, accusing the administration of ignoring the broader violence inflicted on Kuki-Zo civilians by Meitei militants and their affiliated groups.
In a strongly worded statement, the CoTU highlighted the use of advanced weaponry by Meitei groups, such as Arambai Tenggol, which they claim includes drones, bombs, and military-grade mortars. The Committee asserted that these assaults have been ongoing and largely ignored by the authorities. They pointed to a viral audio recording in which Chief Minister N. Biren Singh allegedly acknowledges the use of such weapons by the militants, arguing that this indicates the state’s awareness of the situation yet a lack of corresponding action.
The CoTU also accused the government of attempting to appease the valley community by labeling the Kuki-Zo people as terrorists, despite their actions being in self-defense during an ambush by Meitei militants on the Kangpokpi-Churachandpur route on September 1, 2024. They described the state’s stance as a “biased and insensitive assessment” of the conflict.
The Committee warned that the Kuki-Zo community would resist any further combined operations ordered by the Home Department and urged mainstream media outlets to verify their sources and report accurately to prevent the spread of misinformation.