COTU Responds to NPO’s Statement, Advises Against Communal Misinterpretation

The attention of the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has been drawn to the press ultimatum issued by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) dated October 31, 2025, concerning the alleged incident of poster defacement and firecracker detonation at Daili Village during the civil reception of the Ato Kilonser of the GPRN.

The Committee on Tribal Unity views such alleged acts, if true, as regrettable and highly condemnable, and reiterates that these isolated misdeeds by unidentified individuals must not be construed as representative of any community, particularly the Kuki-Zo people.

While COTU shares the concern and sentiment of the NPO over the reported indecent act, it must be emphatically stated that the Kuki-Zo community neither subscribes to nor benefits from any act that disrespects the leaders, symbols, or sentiments of any other community. The Committee categorically rejects any insinuation suggesting political motive or communal intent behind such mischief.

It is important to clarify that the use of firecrackers and loudspeakers during festive seasons is strictly banned among the Kuki-Zo community within the region. Therefore, the alleged use of firecrackers cannot be attributed to Kuki-Zo practices. Any attempt to link this incident to the community at large is baseless, unjustified, and detrimental to peaceful coexistence.

The Committee on Tribal Unity urges the Naga People’s Organisation and all responsible civil society organisations to exercise restraint and to avoid communal interpretations of isolated acts until proper verification is made. COTU further cautions against relying on unverified or orchestrated reports that may be deliberately designed to disturb the hard-earned peace, trust, and fraternity among neighbouring tribes.

Nevertheless, out of mutual respect and in the spirit of inter-community harmony, COTU assures that it will leave no stone unturned in ascertaining the facts surrounding the incident and will continue to uphold the principles of truth, respect, and unity among all kindred peoples.