SENAPATI, March 7: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has strongly condemned the planned march by the Federations of Civil Society (FOC) into hill districts inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community, calling it a “blatant breach” of established buffer zones. The committee warned that this could reignite regional conflict, as these buffer zones are crucial in preventing violence from what they describe as “secessionist Meitei militias.”

The organization denied accusations that they were blocking essential supplies along National Highway 2, which passes through Kuki-Zo areas, asserting that any disruptions were temporary measures to highlight the valley’s failure to reciprocate humanitarian efforts.

The statement condemned the FOC’s planned march, labeling it as a “dangerous provocation” and urging the Governor not to give in to what they call a “majoritarian Meitei narrative” with “secessionist ambitions.” The CoTU reiterated its demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution and called for immediate protective measures for India’s northeastern frontier.

The CoTU also rejected the “free movement” proposal, supported by Home Minister Amit Shah and communicated by the Manipur Governor. They argued that the proposal misrepresents the ground realities and promotes what they term “radical Meitei narratives.”