Kuki-Zo organization demands justice for destroyed churches and homes, accusing the Governor of favoring the Meitei community amidst ongoing conflict
BY PC Bureau
The Women’s Wing of the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has criticized the Governor of Manipur’s recent commitment to protect Koubru and Thangting Hill and to facilitate the Meira Paibis’ pilgrimage there, stating that it demonstrates prejudice against a particular community and is inappropriate for his position.
The Meira Paibis are a civil organization primarily composed of Meitei women in the Imphal Valley of Manipur.
In a press statement released on Saturday, the Kangpokpi-based Kuki-Zo organization asserted, “The Governor’s apparent political bias during a time of communal conflict deviates from the principle of impartiality expected of the highest office in the state.”
“His statement suggests favoritism towards a specific community, which is detrimental to peace and harmony,” it added.
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The Kuki-Zo tribal body further alleged that this development followed a dialogue with an unlawful organization, Arambai Tenggol, at Raj Bhavan, which they deemed an unacceptable diplomatic move. “The conflict-affected state of Manipur has witnessed significant discrimination against the Kuki-Zo community, for whom justice seems unattainable under His Excellency,” COTU stated.
Manipur Guv’s Pledge to save Koubru, Thangting Hills a prejudice against Kuki-Zo people: COTU Women Wing
https://t.co/JAXOxZKduq— The Hills Journal (@HillsJournal) April 5, 2025
The Committee contended that the Meitei community’s claims to Koubru and Thangting Hill, and their pursuit of a pilgrimage during this period of communal unrest, are a provocative attempt to escalate the conflict.
COTU argues that the Governor should address the destruction of over 300 churches and 5000 houses belonging to the Kuki-Zo people by the Meitei population. They allege that the lack of justice, resettlement, rehabilitation, and compensation for the Kuki-Zo people indicates significant political bias.
COTU demands that, as a prerequisite for peace negotiations, Mr. Korounganba, leader of Arambai Tenggol; Mr. Athouba, leader of COCOMI; Mr. Pramod Singh, leader of Meitei Leepun; and Mr. Jadumani, leader of the Federation of Haomee (FOH), who they claim are directly involved in violence against the Kuki-Zo people, be prosecuted and arrested.
Additionally, the Women’s Wing of COTU stated that the Governor should prioritize the rebuilding of over 300 churches and 5000 houses belonging to the Kuki-Zo people before supporting what they describe as the Meitei community’s “propaganda.”
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“The Governor’s primary responsibility is to uphold the constitution and the law, not to favor a particular community, especially during communal strife, while disregarding the rights of the minority Kuki-Zo community,” it added.
The tribal Women’s Wing issued a warning to the Meira Paibis, urging them to refrain from crossing buffer zones until meaningful dialogue, facilitated by the Ministry of Home Affairs with Kuki-Zo representatives, has taken place.
The Kuki-Zo organization cautioned the Manipur government against taking actions without considering the potential consequences, asserting that they would strongly resist any such moves by the Meitei Meira Paibis.
