48-Hour Deadline to Nab Killers, CoTU Warns of 'Pre-Emptive Measures' by Village Volunteers

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, on Thursday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Manipur government to arrest those responsible for the killing of two Kuki-Zo cultivators in Ukhrul district, warning that village volunteers may be compelled to take “pre-emptive measures” to defend their land and people if the perpetrators are not brought to justice.

In a strongly worded statement, the tribal body condemned the alleged killing of two Kuki-Zo villagers—Thangin Baite of Thawai Kuki village and Thangboimang Khongsai of Shankai village—who were reportedly shot dead by armed Tangkhul militants suspected to be associated with the NSCN-IM. Another individual sustained a bullet injury on the leg and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

According to CoTU, the victims had gone to repair waterways connected to their paddy fields when they went missing. Their bodies were later recovered on Thursday morning by villagers after remaining untraceable overnight.

The organisation alleged that armed Tangkhul militants have been instigating villagers to stake claims over lands belonging to Kuki-Zo communities in Ukhrul district, accusing them of promoting an ethnocentric narrative against the Kuki-Zo population, which is sadly feuled and championed by the former Chief Minister of Manipur and Meitei Titular King.

It further claimed that such tensions had earlier led to the razing of Litan Sareikhong, a Kuki village, along with adjoining settlements in recent months.

CoTU also referred to earlier attempts to address the issue through dialogue led by Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Losii Dikho along with civil society organisations from both communities. However, the tribal body alleged that the peace initiative failed as the Tangkhul side did not comply with the process.

Describing the latest incident as part of a pattern aimed at intimidating Kuki-Zo farmers and forcing them out of Ukhrul district, the organisation said repeated firing incidents targeting cultivators in paddy fields had created a climate of fear in the region.

Questioning the rationale of forming a “popular government” in Manipur if such incidents continue unchecked, CoTU urged the authorities to act swiftly and ensure justice for the victims.

“If the culprits involved in this heinous crime are not apprehended within 48 hours, our village volunteers will be compelled to take pre-emptive measures to defend and protect our land and our people,” the statement warned, adding that under such circumstances, the Committee on Tribal Unity or any civil society organisation should not be held responsible for any actions taken thereafter.