Manipur on Edge: COCOMI accuses COTU of inciting unrest and blocking peace efforts with its ‘Unbreakable Declaration.’ Will the government take decisive action?
BY PC Bureau
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a strong condemnation against the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) for its recent provocative declaration challenging the authority of the Union Government and the Home Minister. In a statement released on March 3, 2025, COTU made an ‘Unbreakable Declaration of the Kuki-Zo Community,’ which COCOMI describes as unconstitutional, secessionist, and a direct threat to national sovereignty.
According to COCOMI, COTU’s insistence on a ‘Separate Administration’ and its pledge to ‘carve their own path, no matter the cost’ constitutes an outright defiance of India’s constitutional framework. COCOMI further highlights that COTU’s declaration rejecting free movement in Kuki-Zo areas is not only unlawful but directly contravenes the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
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A Threat to Law and Order
COCOMI warns that COTU’s assertion that ‘no Kuki-Zo volunteer shall be arrested’ and its threats of retaliation against law enforcement pose a serious challenge to the rule of law. Such declarations, COCOMI argues, embolden illegal activities, blockades, and violence, making immediate legal action imperative.
Additionally, COTU’s call for ‘total resistance’ if the government enforces peace without meeting their demands signals a dangerous escalation of the crisis in Manipur. COCOMI stresses that such rhetoric exposes COTU’s role in sustaining unrest in the region, rather than working towards a peaceful resolution.
Union Home Minister’s Directive and COCOMI’s Stance
COCOMI has voiced its support for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive to restore free movement on all state roads by March 8. However, it warns that continued defiance from COTU threatens to derail peace efforts and further destabilize Manipur.
The organization also expresses concerns over the Union Government’s previous failures to uphold its commitments in the region. If the government does not take decisive action against COTU’s inflammatory statements and actions, COCOMI fears it could lead to a further loss of public confidence in the Home Minister’s ability to ensure stability in Manipur.
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Demands for Immediate Action
COCOMI has urged the Union Government to take swift legal action against COTU’s leadership, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for inciting unrest. The organization demands strict enforcement of law and order to prevent further violence and disruption in Manipur.
Furthermore, COCOMI calls upon all democratic institutions, civil society organizations, and responsible citizens to denounce COTU’s separatist rhetoric. It asserts that any attempt to challenge India’s sovereignty and integrity must be met with firm resistance from the government and the people alike.
A United Stand for Manipur
Reaffirming its commitment to a unified Manipur, COCOMI declares that it will not stand by as elements with divisive agendas attempt to undermine national sovereignty. The organization calls for urgent government intervention to curb what it describes as a dangerous and unconstitutional movement by COTU.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are now on the Union Government and Home Minister Amit Shah, as the people of Manipur await concrete action against those who openly challenge the nation’s authority and stability.
COCOMI’s Demands to the Union Government
In its strongest appeal yet, COCOMI has called for:
- Immediate legal action against COTU leaders for issuing an inflammatory and separatist statement.
- Strict enforcement of law and order to prevent further incitement and blockades in Manipur.
- A firm stance by the central government reaffirming that no group can challenge national unity.
“The time for action is now. The Government of India must not allow such open defiance of its authority to go unchecked,” said Jayanta. “We reaffirm our commitment to a united Manipur and demand accountability for those attempting to undermine national sovereignty.”
What Lies Ahead?
As the March 8 deadline nears, tensions remain high. Will the Union Government take decisive action against COTU’s defiance, or will their threats go unanswered? The people of Manipur await a firm response, hoping for peace but bracing for potential escalati
