The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has strongly criticized the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), accusing it of promoting an “ethno-fascist narrative” and propagating an “anti-tribal” agenda. The allegations come in response to the Kuki-Zo Public Resolution adopted on March 3 during the 22nd Remembrance Day Observance at the Martyr Cemetery in Phaijang. In a statement, CoTU alleged that COCOMI has been leading a “systematic campaign of hatred” since May 3, 2023, and working alongside “militant groups” to advance a “hegemonic and genocidal agenda” against the Kuki-Zo community. The tribal body further accused COCOMI of acting as a “political mouthpiece” for extremist militias.
According to CoTU, COCOMI’s repeated appeals to the Union Government mirror the demands of their armed affiliates, particularly the Arambai Tenggol. The organization claims that these representations do not reflect the genuine concerns of the valley’s civilians but rather serve the vested interests of militant factions seeking to dominate and suppress minorities. CoTU further pointed out that during the 2024 Parliamentary Elections, the people of the valley had “rejected the fascist ideology” allegedly championed by these groups. It questioned COCOMI’s credibility, arguing that an organization closely linked with armed militias cannot simultaneously claim to represent the interests of the valley’s civilian population.
Reaffirming its commitment to the Kuki-Zo people’s political rights, CoTU stated that it was formed after May 3, 2023, to safeguard their aspirations and security. The organization warned valley-based groups against interfering with the legitimate demands of the Kuki-Zo people and urged them to focus on their own concerns instead.
