In response to the statement made by a self-proclaimed group, the Thadou Community International (TCI), dated 4th October 2024, regarding the release of three Meitei individuals, the Kuki-Zo community strongly condemns this ethno-centric narrative, which mirrors the stance of the valley-based COCOMI. This misrepresentation is deeply regrettable.
It is important to clarify that the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) played a pivotal role in securing the safe release of the Meitei youths, who were detained by village volunteers after crossing buffer zones on 27th September 2024 at around 4 PM. Contrary to the claims made, it was not due to any external influence.
The delay in their release was largely due to the reluctance of the Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, to take swift action for their safety. The central government was eventually appealed to, in order to resolve the matter.
This act of goodwill by the Kuki-Zo community should not be misinterpreted as a step towards dialogue between the warring communities, but rather as a reaffirmation of the values that the Kuki-Zo people uphold — that women, children, the elderly, and innocent civilians are not part of the ongoing conflict.
We urge the Meitei community to refrain from using entities like the Thadou Community International, which lacks genuine representation, to further their narrative.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
