Kuki group in Manipur defies Amit Shah's free movement order, seeks solution first

Guwahati: In what is seen as another setback to the Centre's efforts to restore peace in Manipur, a prominent Kuki organisation rejected Home Minister Amit Shah's directive to ensure free movement of people on all roads in the strife-torn state from March 8.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), in a meeting on Monday adopted at least eight resolutions that included its resolve against free movement in the Kuki-Zo areas until a resolution "that respects the community’s aspirations is reached."

The organisation stated that the Kuki-Zo people would make no compromise or surrender regarding their demand for "separate administration" comprising Kuki-dominated areas in order to end the conflict involving the Meiteis.

"The Kuki-Zo people will continue their fight for a separate administration through mobilization, protests, and democratic resistance. Any individual prioritizing personal interests over the collective cause or aligning with the government will be deemed a traitor," COTU said in a statement.

The organisation also asked Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to withdraw his recent remarks against the demand for a "separate administration."

Shah on Saturday held a meeting about the security situation in Manipur following the President's rule, in which he asked officials to ensure free movement on all roads. He also instructed officials to take strict action against those trying to create obstructions. Some Meitei organisations welcomed Shah's directives.

The President's rule was imposed on February 13 in view of the Meitei-Kuki conflict since May 2023.

Following COTU's decision, Govenor Bhalla on Tuesday held a security meeting at Imphal and took stock of the situation. Raj Bhavan, however, did not disclose the decisions taken in the meeting.

'Setback for peace'

The stretches of the roads including the HN-2 passing through Kuki-dominated district like Kangpokpi has remained out of bounds for the Meiteis since the conflict had started.

Shah's instruction on Saturday, however, came as respite for many seeking restoration of communication on the highways.

A Kuki leader in Churachandpur, another Kuki-dominated district, on Tuesday told DH that they would not allow the Meiteis to use the highway stretches passing through the Kuki-dominated districts.

COTU said if the government "imposes peace" without addressing the Kuki-Zo political issue, a "complete and irreversible boycott" of the ruling government will be enforced.

Condemning COTU's resolutions, Coordination Committee on Manipur Unity (COCOMI), a forum of several influential Meitei organisations, called it "provocative and inflammatory."

"The COTU has openly challenged the authority of the Union Home Minister and the Government of India. This brazen declaration is not only unconstitutional but a direct threat to national unity, law and order and sovereignty of the Indian state," it said.