Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) condemned an armed attack on Lhungjang village in Kangpokpi district. The group issued a statement on September 7, accusing banned outfits of the assault. They believe the violence aims to provoke the Kuki-Zo community and ratchet up pressure on the state government.
CoTU claims political rifts within the Naga community and valley-based groups threaten to drag out the fighting between the hills and the valley. The group lashed out at the ongoing ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023. They cited the massive loss of life, widespread property destruction, and displacement of locals as evidence of what they call "selective justice."
The organization singled out MLAs Losii Dikho and Awangbow Newmai for criticism. CoTU alleges these legislators failed to address violence fueled by armed groups. They want elected officials to prioritize civilian safety regardless of community lines. CoTU also demanded the Centre and Manipur government act against any politicians found misusing their power to stir up trouble in the hills.
Updated at 8th September 2026 at 2:00pm
The group claims the pre-dawn raid on Lhungjang specifically targeted the area’s only educational facility. Arsonists torched the government primary school during the assault, effectively cutting off access to schooling for local children.
CoTU pointed to a broader political agenda behind the violence, alleging that segments of the Kacha Naga community are colluding with valley-based political actors to destabilize Kangpokpi. According to the group, this coalition aims to weaken the current state government and force the removal of Kuki-Zo leader Nemcha Kipgen from the cabinet.
The organization expanded its rebuke of Losii Dikho and Awangbou Newmai, calling out their silence regarding attacks on Kuki-Zo villages across Noney, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Senapati. CoTU accused the legislators of ignoring their constitutional duties and warned that continued political games could trigger another wave of violence.
Divisive politics cannot monopolize the idea of Manipur, CoTU said, stressing that the state’s future should be based on pluralism, inclusiveness and coexistence rather than exclusion.
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