CoTU Withdraws Ultimatum After Assurance of NIA Probe into Killing of Two Kuki-Zo Villagers in Kamjong

The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, has withdrawn the 48-hour ultimatum it earlier issued on March 12 demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the brutal killing of two Kuki-Zo villagers, following assurances that the case will be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for investigation.

The committee said the decision was taken after consultations with all stakeholders, including a conglomerate of Kuki civil society organisations in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, and based on the assurance given by the concerned authorities that the case would be entrusted to the country’s highest investigative agency.

The victims were identified as Thengin Baite of Thawai Kuki Village and Thangboimang Khongsai of Shankai Village, whose killings had triggered widespread outrage and grief across the Kuki-Zo community.

CoTU stated that the case should serve as a litmus test for the NIA to demonstrate its commitment to a fair, impartial, and professional investigation, free from political influence or interference from either the state or the Centre.

“The investigation must be conducted with utmost transparency and integrity to ensure justice for the victims and their families,” the organisation said, adding that the outcome of the probe would determine public confidence in the rule of law.

Reaffirming its faith in the legal process, CoTU said the Kuki-Zo community would stand firmly by the rule of law and seek justice through constitutional means so that such acts of violence and lawlessness do not recur in the region.

At the same time, the organisation expressed deep anguish over the tragic deaths and extended solidarity with the bereaved families of the two victims.

Appealing for restraint, CoTU urged the public and other civil society organisations not to spread inflammatory or unverified narratives that could further destabilise the already fragile peace in the region.

The organisation emphasised that responsible conduct from all sections of society would be crucial in ensuring that justice is delivered while maintaining communal harmony.