CoTU, ITLF Condemns Moreh Arrest, Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum

The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) vehemently condemn the detention of two Kuki-Zo civilians by Manipur police commandos in Moreh yesterday.

“We also refute the despicable attempt by the Meitei government and propaganda handles on social media to link them to the death of a Meitei police officer,” said a joint statement issued by CoTU and ITLF.

“Moreh Youth Club President Philip Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate were with womenfolk protesting against a proposed commando outpost at Chikim village in Moreh when Meitei policemen suddenly fired live rounds at the unarmed protesters, injuring a couple of women in the process. Philip and Hemkholal were then detained, followed by a vicious campaign to vilify them by claiming that weapons were found in their possession and that they were among the suspects in the killing of Moreh’s SDPO last year.”

This is a blatant lie and the Kuki-Zo community will not take it lying down. The Joint statement demands the immediate and unconditional release of the duo. If they are not freed within 48 hours, we will not allow the one-sided communal government favouring only the Meiteis to function in Kuki-Zo areas, it warned.