Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has issued a response to the statement released by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) concerning the alleged poster defacement and firecracker incident at Daili Village during the civil reception of the Ato Kilonser of the GPRN.
Describing the incident as “regrettable and condemnable,” COTU stated that such isolated misdeeds by unidentified individuals should not be interpreted as the collective act of any community, particularly the Kuki-Zo people. The organisation acknowledged the NPO’s concerns but firmly denied any political or communal motive behind the episode.
COTU reiterated that the Kuki-Zo community neither supports nor benefits from actions that disrespect leaders or symbols of other communities. It further clarified that the use of firecrackers and loudspeakers is already prohibited within Kuki-Zo areas, making any link between the incident and their community “baseless and unjustified.”
Calling for restraint, COTU appealed to the NPO and other civil society bodies to avoid communal interpretations until facts are fully verified. It also cautioned against unverified reports that could inflame tensions or disrupt long-standing harmony among neighbouring tribes.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and fraternity, COTU assured that it would take all necessary steps to ascertain the truth and preserve unity, respect, and coexistence among all kindred communities in the region.
