Stationing Valley-Based Insurgent Groups in Fringe Areas Fuels New Unrest in Manipur Claims CoTU

In a bold demonstration of unity and defiance, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) organized a 12-hour total shutdown across Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi District, alongside a public protest at Gamgiphai. The action was in response to alleged ongoing attacks by armed miscreants from the valley, which began on Christmas Eve in the Bungpi region.

The shutdown, which lasted from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., brought normal life in the district to a standstill. Vehicular movement was completely halted, and business establishments and markets remained closed for the day. The protest signaled a unified stand against the escalating violence and the forced demolition of defensive structures in Kuki-Zo fringe areas.

Adding to the resistance, hundreds of Kuki-Zo women took to the fringe area in the Bungpi region, forming human barriers to prevent security forces from demolishing community-built bunkers. Their collective action underscored the community’s determination to defend its territories amidst ongoing aggression.

At the protest site in Gamgiphai, demonstrators raised powerful slogans such as "Meitei Narrative - Wrong Narrative," "Our Volunteers - Our Shield," and "Let Us Celebrate Our Festival - Without Fear!" These chants highlighted the community's rejection of alleged false narratives and their demand for peace and security during the festive season.

CoTU leaders reiterated their call for the central government to address the root causes of the conflict, particularly the presence of valley-based insurgent groups in the fringe areas. They emphasized that the Kuki-Zo community would continue to defend their land and stand against any attempts to undermine their rights and safety.

The protest and shutdown reflect the mounting frustration and resilience of the Kuki-Zo community, which has endured months of violence and instability. CoTU called on the government to prioritize dialogue and take immediate action to ensure peace and security in the region.

Addressing the media, CoTU Spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen condemned the relentless assaults on the Kuki-Zo community’s fringe areas, including Saibol, Twichin, S. Khonomphai, and Mongneljang, even on Christmas Day.

“Today, we gather to voice our deep resentment against these unabated attacks. It is not us, but the valley-based insurgent groups, who initiated aggression on Christmas Eve, persisting for five consecutive days,” Kipgen declared.

“Despite their provocations, we chose peace, honoring our festive season of harmony,” he added.

The spokesperson appealed to the central government for immediate intervention, emphasizing that the continued presence of valley-based insurgent groups in fringe areas is the root cause of unrest.

“As long as these groups remain in our regions, we will defend our land. No force—whether the army, central, or state—has the right to dismantle our defensive positions unless these insurgents are first removed,” he asserted.

Kipgen also highlighted discussions with the Centre-appointed DGP of Manipur, reinforcing the urgent need to address this issue.

Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah directly, Kipgen expressed the community’s exhaustion after enduring 19 months of ethnic and religious persecution.

“Isn’t it shameful that this conflict has dragged on for nearly two years? This issue can be resolved in a single day through political dialogue. No amount of military intervention can bring peace—it must be dialogue-driven,” Kipgen emphasized.

The Kuki-Zo community’s message is clear: remove the valley insurgents, restore peace, and end this prolonged conflict, he asserted.