KANGPOKPI, Nov 19: The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) on Tuesday has issued a scathing statement accusing the Manipur government of complicity in the alleged ethnic persecution and genocide of the Kuki-Zo community.

In a press statement released today, COTU held the state administration, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, responsible for the ongoing violence and urged the Government of India to intervene under Article 239A of the Constitution.

COTU has accused Chief Minister N. Biren Singh of orchestrating what it terms a “genocide program” targeting the Kuki-Zo community. The organization cited an audio recording in which Singh allegedly admitted to his involvement in the violence. This recording, they claim, has been accepted by the Supreme Court of India for further investigation.

The committee further alleged that the investigation order by the Supreme Court, issued in early November, coincided with the brutal rape, murder, and burning of Mrs. Zosangkim Hmar in Zairawn, Jiribam, suggesting the incident was a deliberate attempt to divert attention. Following the incident, COTU accused the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) of targeting Kuki-Zo volunteers, leading to the deaths of 11 individuals under the pretext of an ambush.

COTU strongly criticized the state cabinet’s resolutions adopted on November 19, 2024. These decisions, made in the absence of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, were described as biased and detrimental to minority rights.

COTU claimed these measures reflect a majoritarian agenda aimed at undermining peace efforts and consolidating political dominance over the Kuki-Zo community, in violation of constitutional protections.
Highlighting the atrocities committed during the ethnic conflict, COTU alleged that organizations such as Arambal Tenggol and VBIGSs were responsible for the deaths of 218 Kuki-Zo individuals, including infants and children. The victims, according to the communique, were subjected to horrific acts of violence, including gang rape, decapitation, and burning.

While acknowledging casualties on both sides of the conflict, COTU criticized what it described as “choreographed political drama” over the deaths of six individuals from the Meitei community, calling it a dangerous political narrative.

COTU has called on the Government of India to urgently intervene and ensure constitutional protection for the Kuki-Zo minority. It demanded the central government address the alleged “repressive and nepotistic administration” under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and take measures to restore peace and stability in Manipur.