March 7, 2025: The ongoing peace process in Manipur has taken another turn as the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has strongly opposed the Federation of Civil Society’s (FOCS) plan to march in the hill districts.
In a release, COTU claims that such a move would violate existing buffer zones, which they argue are crucial in preventing further violence.
FOCS, a coalition of 20 valley-based civil society organizations, insists that their planned visit is to assess the central government’s peace initiatives.
However, COTU has dismissed this justification, warning that any intrusion into Kuki-Zo areas could escalate tensions and disrupt fragile stability.
The controversy also touches on the issue of free movement.
COTU has criticized Home Minister Amit Shah for promoting the idea of unrestricted movement through the Governor of Manipur, calling it a misrepresentation of the ground situation.
