Kanggui, August 15, 2025: The Committee On Tribal Unity (CoTU) has issued a strong condemnation following what it described as a "provocative incident" involving members of the Arambai Tenggol in C. Zoulen Village on Thursday morning.
According to CoTU’s statement, a group of Arambai Tenggol members - some in full uniform and others dressed as civilians - allegedly crossed a buffer zone from Chanung Meitei Village into Kuki areas. Once inside, they reportedly began felling trees and clearing fields. CoTU further contended that Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, deployed nearby, “remained mere spectators” as the incident unfolded, and even opened a barbed-wire gate to facilitate the group's entry.
The tribal committee characterized the event as a "choreographed provocation" aimed at eliciting a response from Kuki village volunteers just before Independence Day, potentially framing the Kuki community in a negative light to the wider public. CoTU accused certain Meitei separatist outfits of attempting to undermine the standing of Kuki communities and questioned their continued dialogue with the Indian government, given their stated ambitions for independence.
"Why are groups like Arambai Tenggol, UNLF, PREPAK - all seeking separation from India - allowed to negotiate with the government?" the statement asked.
CoTU urged that CRPF personnel stationed at Chanung receive thorough briefings on the complexities of the conflict and emphasized the importance of maintaining strict neutrality and non-interference, particularly under Governor's Rule. The organization stressed the need to distinguish “transnationalist militants” from volunteers safeguarding their land.
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The statement ended with a pointed warning: while Chanung Meitei villagers are free to cultivate land within their own jurisdiction, any encroachment into Kuki territory would trigger a defensive response. "Our village volunteers cannot be held responsible for such consequences," CoTU cautioned.
The incident highlights heightened sensitivities and persistent mistrust between tribal and Meitei communities in Manipur, particularly ahead of national celebrations and amid ongoing security operations. As tensions simmer, both authorities and community leaders face mounting pressure to prevent further escalation
