CoTU Reacts to Presidential Address and Prime Minister's Parliamentary Speech

In response to the Presidential address and the Prime Minister's speech in the 18th Lok Sabha, the Committee on Tribal Unity, or the CoTU Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, expressed deep disappointment at the lack of genuine empathy for the people of Manipur.

The Committee's spokesperson, Ng. Lun Kipgen, said that the much-awaited Presidential address was devoid of genuine empathy towards the people of Manipur, which was exacerbated by the Prime Minister's speech, which defended the fallacies of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, whom the Kuki-Zo community accuses of being the protagonist of the current turmoil.

Vehemently bemoaning the address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen maintained that the Prime Minister's speech overlooked the responsibility of his own point man, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, whom he blames for the current turmoil in the state of Manipur.

He also said that it is inappropriate for the Prime Minister to equate the past incidents of 1993 with the current situation, as the present administration under N. Biren Singh is complicit in the conflict.

"If the imposition of President’s Rule 10 times in a small state such Manipur calls for curtailing of violence, then what is stopping the Centre to impose yet another PR to resort peace in the state", he asked.

The Kuki-Zo community strongly condemned what they describe as a "mass genocide program" aimed at eradicating their people from the entire state due to an influx of refugees escaping the military junta regime in Myanmar.

CoTU's Spokesperson, Ng. Lun Kipgen, also outlined crucial measures if the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is serious about solving the problems in the state of Manipur.

Firstly, he emphasized the need to table the demand for Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo in Parliament, considering this step crucial for addressing the specific governance needs of the Kuki-Zo community.

Secondly, he urged the imposition of AFSPA in the valley, covering 19 police stations, to facilitate the recovery of looted arms and ammunition, aiming to enhance security and stability in the region.

Thirdly, Kipgen emphasized the importance of reining in armed militias, including groups like Arambai Tenggol, Meetei Leepun, and VBIGs, highlighting that controlling these militias is essential for reducing violence and fostering a peaceful environment in Manipur.