Imphal: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), two Kuki-Zo organizations from Manipur, expressed skepticism about the Arambai Tenggol’s surrender of arms, labeling it a “mere gesture” to improve public image and seek legitimacy.
In a joint statement, the two organisations asserted that the surrender of 246 looted arms by Arambai Tenggol is merely symbolic, accounting for only 5 per cent of the 6,000 weapons looted from Imphal Valley.
“This move is a calculated effort to enhance their public image, particularly in the wake of their meeting with Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. It is a tactical ploy to garner sympathy and legitimacy. The timing of this gesture, following their meeting with the Governor, raises serious questions about their true motivations,” the statement added.
The two organizations, holding Arambai Tenggol responsible for the deaths of more than 230 Kuki-Zo community members, reaffirmed their call for a separate administration.
On the final day of the seven-day ultimatum issued by Bhalla which concluded on Thursday, Arambai Tenggol members surrendered 246 arms at the 1st Manipur Rifles battalion.
Notably, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday extended the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms until 4 PM on March 6.
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“Upon the expiry of the seven-day deadline for the voluntary surrender of arms, there have been requests from both the valley and hill areas to extend the period. I have considered these requests and decided to extend the deadline until 4 PM on March 6,” the statement read.
“This is the last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute to peace, communal harmony, the future of our youth, and the security of our society,” the statement read.
More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
