CoTU Blames Govt Apathy for Leimakhong Flashpoint, Slams UNC's Demands as 'Ethnocentric Campaign' Against Kuki-Zo

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the Manipur government over the Leimakhong incident, asserting that the confrontation was a direct consequence of the authorities' "apathetic response" to the prolonged blockade of essential supplies to Kuki-Zo areas, while branding the United Naga Council's (UNC) recent demands as an "ethnocentric drive" targeting the Kuki-Zo community.

CoTU pointed out that the demands made by UNC leaders following their meeting with Chief Minister Y. Khemchand at Senapati on July 8—calling for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, the removal of the Kuki-Zo Deputy Chief Minister, and the arrest of the Chief of Leilon Vaiphei as preconditions for lifting the blockade—had nothing to do with justice for the six slain Naga individuals.

Instead, CoTU claimed the demands reflected an "ethnocentric drive against the Kuki-Zo community" and accused the UNC of attempting to advance a communal political agenda under the guise of seeking justice.

The committee further alleged that the campaign over the killing of the six Nagas could not absolve what it described as the murder of three Kuki Church pastors on May 13, 2026, and maintained that justice must be pursued without discrimination.

While appreciating the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the CRPF, and the Manipur Police for the swift arrests made on July 10 in connection with the killing of the six Nagas, CoTU urged the authorities to demonstrate the same urgency in investigating the killings of the three Kuki-Zo Church pastors and 14 Kuki-Zo civilians, whom it alleged were killed by NSCN-IM and ZUF militants.

The committee stressed that equal treatment in the pursuit of justice was essential and accused the authorities of maintaining an indifferent approach towards crimes committed against the Kuki-Zo community.

Linking the day's developments at Leimakhong directly to the ongoing blockade, CoTU alleged that continued official inaction had left local residents with no option but to dismantle the blockade checkpoint at around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

According to the committee, the attempt to remove the checkpoint resulted in physical clashes with those supporting what it termed an "unconstitutional blockade," leaving several persons injured.

CoTU also alleged that, during the ensuing confrontation between members of the two tribal communities, a section of Kacha Nagas torched houses belonging to the Meitei community at Leimakhong in an attempt to provoke public sentiment against the Kuki-Zo community.

The committee described the alleged act as "uncalled for" and accused those responsible of attempting to inflame communal tensions.

Demanding immediate government intervention, CoTU called for the arrest of those allegedly manning the blockade checkpoint, accusing them of disrupting the restoration of essential supplies to all communities across the state.

The committee further urged the government to abandon what it described as a policy of appeasing a particular community and alleged that armed groups were being allowed to operate with impunity, warning that continued inaction would only deepen the prevailing crisis.