Tue Mar 04 15:40:38 UTC 2025: ## Manipur’s warring factions trade accusations amid President’s rule
**Imphal, Manipur:** Tensions remain high in violence-torn Manipur, as two major civil society organizations representing the Meitei and Kuki communities continue to accuse each other of undermining peace efforts and obstructing the central government’s authority.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing the Meitei community, strongly condemned the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki organization, for its declaration that its demand for a separate administration is “non-negotiable.” COCOMI denounced this stance as a challenge to the Indian Constitution and an unlawful restriction on the movement of citizens. They claim CoTU’s actions are undermining the authority of the Union Home Minister and obstructing the government’s March 8th deadline for the removal of road blockades.
CoTU, in response, accused COCOMI of misrepresenting the sentiments of the valley population and acting as a mouthpiece for armed militias. They further asserted that COCOMI’s representations to the central government align with the agendas of groups like Arambai Tenggol. CoTU reiterated its eight-point agenda, including the unwavering pursuit of a separate administration and total resistance against any peace initiatives that don’t address their demands. They also called for the retraction of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s statement regarding their demand for a separate administration.
The accusations highlight the deep-seated divisions and mistrust between the two communities. COCOMI labeled CoTU’s statements as acts of rebellion, while CoTU accused COCOMI of representing armed groups and perpetrating violence against the Kuki-Zo community.
Adding to the complexity, Thadou tribe leader T Michael Lamjathang Haokip criticized CoTU’s demands as a smokescreen designed to prolong the conflict. He also highlighted the suffering of the Meitei community and questioned the one-sided focus on Kuki grievances, emphasizing that justice and accountability should apply to both sides.
The conflict, which began in May 2023, has claimed over 250 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people. The recent resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the subsequent imposition of President’s rule have failed to quell the unrest. A Supreme Court hearing is scheduled later this month to investigate a leaked audio tape purportedly implicating the former chief minister in the violence. The ongoing dispute over land rights, political representation, and the addition of “Any Kuki Tribe” to the Scheduled Tribes list further complicates the situation and fuels the deep-seated animosities between the communities.
First Piper 