CoTU claimed that Imphal valley-based groups used organisations such as the Zeliangrong United Front and Foothills Nagas to enforce blockades, while urging Naga communities to maintain neutrality.
BY PC Bureau
January 12, 2026: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has alleged that the recent bomb attack at Kharam Vaiphei and the subsequent road blockade at Ireng Naga village were deliberate attempts to inflame tensions between tribal communities in Kangpokpi district.
In a press communiqué issued on Monday, CoTU described the incidents as “nothing but a ploy by the valley based organizations to inflame animosity between the tribal communities inhabiting within Kangpokpi.”
The organisation referred to the unprovoked bomb attack on January 8 and the blockade imposed on January 12, which disrupted the movement of Kuki-Zo commuters along the Churachandpur–Kangpokpi route.
CoTU stated that such actions have become increasingly frequent since the imposition of Governor’s Rule in Manipur. “This intermittent road blockades against the Kuki-Zo commuters in areas occupied by the Liangmei and Rongmei Nagas has become the only means to provoke the Kuki-Zo by the valley Meitei/Meetei community,” the statement said.
READ: Guwahati Meet to Test SoO Groups’ Resolve on Kuki-Zo Future
READ:SC to Examine Lifetime Immunity for Election Commissioners
The committee further alleged that these actions were being carried out “by utilizing organizations under their payrolls such as the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) or Foothills Nagas (FNCC) from time to time.”
While acknowledging the political and security challenges faced by the Naga community in the Imphal Valley, CoTU urged restraint and neutrality. “While understanding the political and security aspects of the Naga community in Imphal Valley as a minority, the Committee on Tribal Unity would like to remind them not to stoop so low only to become the mouthpiece or the foot soldier of the majoritarian Meetei/Meitei community in the valley,” the release said.
Emphasising shared religious and social values, CoTU added that Naga groups should “abide their neutrality in these tribal persecution if not as a Christian community.”
The committee concluded by calling for an immediate lifting of the blockade. “Therefore, the villagers of Ireng Naga are advised to lift the road blockade against the commuters plying between Churachandpur and Kangpokpi at the earliest so as to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding between communities inhabiting the region,” the statement said.
The press release was issued by the Information and Publicity wing of the Committee on Tribal Unity, Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi.
