The CoTU memorandum to Sangma memorandum requests fee waivers, rental relief, and resettlement plans to ensure safety, dignity, and basic services for IDPs.
BY PC Bureau
October 10: Hours after Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma publicly dismissed the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a Union Territory, reiterating his commitment to Manipur’s territorial integrity, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, rolled out a warm welcome for the visiting leader — and submitted a detailed memorandum seeking relief and political intervention for the displaced tribal population.
During his maiden visit to Manipur’s hill district, Sangma received an elaborate reception from CoTU representatives, who expressed deep gratitude for the hospitality and refuge offered by Meghalaya to internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled what they termed “religious and ethnic persecution engineered by the majoritarian community in Manipur since May 3, 2023.”
Despite Sangma’s clear rejection of Manipur’s territorial reorganization, a key demand of the Kuki-zo tribals, CoTU expressed appreciation for his concern and reaffirmed its faith in democratic engagement and peaceful resolution.
READ: Opinion: Sangma’s Manipur Visit—More Than Meets the Eye
In its memorandum, CoTU urged the Meghalaya government to:
- Waive school and medical fees for displaced children, students, and patients taking refuge in the state.
- Reduce rental charges for IDPs seeking temporary accommodation.
- Simplify documentation procedures for those seeking admission to schools, colleges, and medical institutions.
The organisation also appealed for the resettlement of displaced Kuki-Zo villagers in their original or designated locations, with adequate electricity, water supply, and security, ensuring a safe and dignified return for affected families.
More significantly, CoTU requested Sangma’s help in advocating for a political settlement to the crisis, describing the Kuki-Zo as “a minority Christian tribal group facing unrelenting ethnic and religious persecution from the majoritarian Meitei community.” The memorandum suggested that constitutional protection under Article 239A—granting Union Territory status with a legislature—could ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
Despite Sangma’s clear rejection of any territorial reorganization, CoTU expressed appreciation for his concern and reaffirmed its faith in democratic engagement and peaceful resolution.
Sangma Calls for Continued Support, Reconciliation
Responding to the concerns, Sangma said the existing support system for displaced families must continue until the government can ensure safety, security, and rehabilitation.
“Till the government is able to provide safety, security, and rehabilitation to the people, the current support status must continue,” he stated.
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Observers interpreted Sangma’s remarks as a subtle yet significant political signal—one that blended empathy with quiet criticism of administrative inertia. His outreach comes at a critical moment when Manipur remains without an elected government, and thousands continue to live displaced, deepening the trust deficit between communities.
Concluding his visit on a hopeful note, Sangma said:
“If I can play a role, or if any of my leaders can play a role in facilitating this process, we are here to help and support. One step at a time, we must move together to find a permanent solution and bring peace to the region.”
