COCOMI Demands Immediate Legal Action Against COTU’s ‘Secessionist’ Declaration
Imphal, March 4, 2025: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent statement made by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), calling it an outright challenge to India’s sovereignty and a direct defiance of the Union Government. In a press release, COCOMI described COTU’s “Unbreakable Declaration of the Kuki-Zo Community” as a dangerous and unconstitutional move that incites unrest, promotes illegal blockades, and disregards the democratic principles of the country.
COCOMI accused COTU of openly threatening national unity by declaring their demand for a separate administration as “non-negotiable” and warning that they would “carve their own path, no matter the cost.” The organization stated that such defiance undermines the authority of the Union Home Minister and the constitutional framework of India. COTU’s declaration that “no free movement shall be permitted in Kuki-Zo land” was condemned as a direct violation of citizens’ fundamental rights. COCOMI emphasized that no community has the legal authority to impose restrictions on movement within Indian territory, branding COTU’s stance as an act of rebellion.
Furthermore, COCOMI highlighted COTU’s warning that “no Kuki-Zo volunteer shall be arrested” and that any such action would “be met with consequences.” Such statements, according to COCOMI, are an outright challenge to the rule of law and must be dealt with through immediate legal action. The organization also pointed out that COTU’s insistence on “total resistance” if the government enforces peace without meeting their demands is a clear indication of their role in prolonging violence and unrest in Manipur.
Amid this rising tension, COCOMI welcomed the Union Home Minister’s recent directive to restore free movement on all state roads by March 8. However, the organization expressed doubts over the government’s ability to enforce this deadline, citing previous unfulfilled promises. They warned that if the Union Home Minister fails once again to implement his orders, it could lead to a complete loss of trust among the people who genuinely seek peace in the state. The statement emphasized that repeated failures by the central government have deepened public frustration and a sense of abandonment.
In light of these developments, COCOMI urged the Government of India to take immediate and decisive legal action against COTU and its leadership for openly challenging the nation’s sovereignty. They demanded the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for issuing inflammatory statements and called for strict enforcement of law and order to prevent further incitement and blockades. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to a “United Manipur” and called upon all democratic institutions, civil society organizations, and responsible citizens to denounce what they described as a dangerous separatist agenda.