Manipur's Liangmai Naga Council urges President to ban COTU

Imphal:  The Liangmai Naga Council (LNC), a Liangmai Naga body in Manipur, has urged President Draupadi Murmu to designate the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), a leading Kuki-Zo community group, as an unlawful entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

In a memorandum submitted to the President, the LNC alleged that COTU has engaged in various unlawful activities, including inciting violence in the conflict-prone state over recent months.

The LNC stated in the memorandum, “Liangmai Nagas are deeply distressed by COTU's repeated threats against Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, especially during a recent Liangmai cultural festival. The festival, intended to foster dialogue, mutual respect, and strengthen ties among all communities, concluded on a subdued note due to these threats.”

The memorandum further claims that the arrival of undocumented Kuki immigrants and the expansion of Kuki villages in the Kangpokpi district have marginalized the Liangmai and Naga populations on their ancestral lands.

The LNC urged the Union government to safeguard indigenous communities, ensuring their safety, dignity, and cultural identity amid these growing challenges.

“Strict legal action should be taken against individuals and groups inciting violence, disturbing public order, and infringing on the rights of indigenous communities, particularly in cultural and religious settings,” the LNC added.

The memorandum, signed by LNC President R. Machundoubou, has also been sent to various officials, including Manipur Governor,  Chief Minister, and DGP, urging prompt and decisive action.