Manipur's Tribal Unity Committee Criticizes Leaders Over Violence in Hill Districts

: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has launched a strong criticism of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and MLA Awangbou Newmai, accusing the Naga leaders of failing to adequately respond to violence affecting civilians in Manipur’s hill districts. In a statement, the Sadar Hills-based tribal organisation questioned the legislators’ alleged silence over attacks on Kuki-Zo villages in Noney, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Kamjong and Senapati. It accused them of failing to discharge their constitutional responsibilities amid the continuing violence. CoTU also criticised what it described as a narrative of “selective justice”, arguing that individual incidents should not be viewed separately from the wider loss of lives, displacement and destruction of villages witnessed across Manipur since May 3, 2023. The organisation further alleged a “political conspiracy” behind the pre-dawn attack on Lhungjang village on September 7. It claimed that armed cadres deliberately carried out the attack to trigger retaliation and escalate tensions. During the incident, a government primary school, described by CoTU as the only educational facility in the remote area, was set on fire and destroyed. The organisation said the damage has further disrupted access to basic education for children in the area. CoTU also alleged that sections of the Kacha Naga community and political actors from the valley were working together to prolong instability. According to the organisation, the alleged objective was to undermine the existing government, destabilise Kangpokpi and build pressure for the removal of Kuki-Zo leader Nemcha Kipgen from the state cabinet. “Divisive politics cannot monopolize the idea of Manipur,” CoTU said, stressing that the state’s future should be based on pluralism, inclusiveness and coexistence rather than exclusion. The tribal body called for an immediate end to political blame games and urged the government to take firm measures against armed groups accused of provoking communal tensions. It also sought legislative action against elected representatives allegedly using their positions to spread false information and promote hatred, warning that further provocation could trigger another cycle of violence and retaliation in the state.