The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has retracted a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the arrest of individuals responsible for the killings of two Kuki-Zo villagers in Manipur’s Kamjong district, following assurances from authorities that the case would be referred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a thorough investigation. The ultimatum, issued by CoTU’s Sadar Hills Kangpokpi unit on March 12, called for immediate action due to widespread outrage among the Kuki-Zo community after the incident.
In a statement released on Sunday, CoTU explained the decision to withdraw the ultimatum was made after extensive discussions with various stakeholders, including Kuki civil society organizations in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi. The assurance from authorities regarding the involvement of the NIA was pivotal in this decision, as it promises an impartial investigation.
The victims were Thengin Baite of Thawai Kuki village and Thangboimang Khongsai of Shankai village, whose deaths significantly impacted the Kuki-Zo community, resulting in demands for swift justice. CoTU emphasized that the NIA’s investigation is crucial and should exemplify transparency, integrity, and fairness to uphold public trust in the legal system.
CoTU also expressed condolences for the villagers’ deaths and reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice through constitutional and democratic avenues, ensuring that such acts of violence do not repeat. The organization urged the community and civil society to maintain calm and refrain from disseminating unverified or incendiary information to preserve the delicate peace in the region.
