The controversial stand of CoTU: A direct challenge to constitution

The recent eight-point declaration by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) is a blatant defiance of India’s constitutional framework and an open challenge to the Union government’s efforts to restore peace in Manipur. While democratic rights allow every individual and group to express their demands, such demands must remain within the legal and constitutional boundaries of India. However, CoTU’s declaration not only oversteps these boundaries but also poses a grave threat to the security and sovereignty of the nation.
CoTU’s declaration, made during the 22nd Remembrance Day observance in Phaijang, Kangpokpi district, asserts that their demand for a Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo community is ‘non-negotiable.’ This assertion, coupled with their rejection of any government-imposed peace initiatives unless their conditions are met, sets a dangerous precedent. The most alarming aspect of this declaration is their self-imposed restriction on the free movement of people within the Kuki-Zo-dominated areas until their demand is fulfilled. This violates Article 19(d) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to move freely throughout India’s territory.
By unilaterally enforcing territorial restrictions, CoTU is not just defying the government but effectively functioning as a parallel authority. This is a direct attack on the integrity of the Indian state. Their stand also contradicts Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive, which called for the free movement of people and goods across Manipur to ensure normalcy. Allowing such actions to go unchecked will only encourage other separatist or insurgent groups to impose similar restrictions in their respective regions, leading to chaos and lawlessness.
Several civil society organizations, including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), have strongly condemned CoTU’s statement, calling it inflammatory and a direct threat to national security. COCOMI and other stakeholders have urged the central government to take immediate legal action against CoTU for openly challenging India’s constitutional framework and sovereignty. The Indian government has faced numerous internal security challenges from separatist movements across various regions. Allowing CoTU’s demands to gain traction could fuel similar movements, destabilizing not just Manipur but also the entire Northeast region. With past incidents of violence and ethnic clashes still fresh in memory, the government cannot afford to overlook this growing crisis.
The government must act decisively against CoTU’s unconstitutional stance. If civil society organizations, political groups, or ethnic bodies begin enforcing their own rules, it would set a dangerous precedent. The authorities must ensure that CoTU’s leadership is held accountable for violating constitutional provisions and issuing statements that threaten national unity. At the same time, the grievances of all ethnic groups in Manipur should be acknowledged and addressed through lawful dialogue. The region has a complex history of ethnic conflicts, and sustainable peace can only be achieved through an inclusive approach that respects the rights of all communities within the legal framework.
While India prides itself on being the world’s largest democracy, democracy does not mean lawlessness. The right to dissent must be exercised responsibly, within the confines of the Constitution. CoTU’s statement is not just a political assertion—it is an act of defiance against the Indian state. If left unchecked, it will embolden other groups to challenge the rule of law in a similar manner. The central government must send a clear message: no organization, no matter how aggrieved, can operate outside the law. Any movement toward separatism should be dealt with swiftly and effectively to prevent further instability.
The path to peace in Manipur lies not in coercion or ultimatums but in constructive engagement. CoTU’s approach undermines the very fabric of democracy. The government must strike a balance between addressing these grievances and ensuring that no group, regardless of its identity, holds the state to ransom. Manipur has long been a land of diversity and resilience. However, the way forward lies in legal and democratic negotiations—not unconstitutional ultimatums. CoTU’s declaration is a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the region and the urgent need for responsible governance to prevent further divisions. The time to act is now, before such challenges escalate into irreversible threats to national integrity.