CoTU Accuses Naga Militants of Instability as Highway Blockade Looms

Imphal: Tensions are boiling over in Manipur. The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) claims Naga armed groups, specifically the NSCN-IM, are pushing a balkanization agenda that destroys regional stability. The committee says these fighters operate with too much freedom and threaten public safety across the Northeast.

CoTU points the finger at radicalized Tangkhul leaders from Ukhrul. It alleges these figures want to spark a war between the Kuki and Naga communities to gain political leverage. The group cites the May 13 murder of three Baptist Church leaders in Kangpokpi as proof of targeted violence against the Kuki-Zo people.

Despite the chaos, CoTU claims the Kuki-Zo community remains willing to work with security forces. However, it warns that internal security failures threaten national plans to boost trade connectivity with Southeast Asia. CoTU told the government to act now. "If the free movement of essential goods is not ensured, the responsibility for any resulting consequences would rest entirely with the authorities," the group stated.

A 48-hour ultimatum is now ticking. Starting at midnight on June 27, the group demanded an end to the blockade of National Highway-2. Food and medicine supplies remain trapped. CoTU refuses to take the blame for any fallout if the road stays closed.