Another MoU inked between Naga and Kuki bodiesCoTU and KSO to apologise, retract earlier directive

Senapati, Dec 27
Towards fostering peace and mutual respect among tribal communities, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between three key organizations, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), the Kuki Students Organization (KSO), and the Senapati Action Committee (SAC) was signed on December 26, 2024, late in the evening.
The agreement was executed at the NPO Office Conference Hall in Senapati, with representatives from all parties pledging to address harassment, physical assault, and intimidation while promoting justice, equality, and cooperation.
The MoU outlines critical measures to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all community members, particularly the Naga community.
The agreement includes the following commitments:
1. CoTU is required to submit an official written apology to the office of SDSA within 24 hrs.
2. The KSO press release must be retracted immediately; failure to do so will result in the immediate resumption of agitation at any time.
3. Immediate cessation of all forms of harassment and physical violence against the Naga community, with full accountability for those responsible.
4. Immediate and firm action will be taken against any individuals involved in harassment or other untoward incidents against the Naga community.
5. Commitment to fostering respectful communication, particularly towards Naga commuters and community members, across all platforms including public spaces, social media and community forums.
Further, the MoU stated that the “parties have carefully reviewed the contents of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and, having fully understood and agreed to all the terms and conditions outlined therein. This MoU is hereby executed on the date first mentioned above by the duly authorized representatives of the parties, who, by their signatures, commit to fully abide by its provisions, as of the day and year first above written.” It is worth noting that the Senapati Action Committee, formed in the aftermath of the December 22 incident when officials of the Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) were allegedly attacked at Gamgiphai Check Post by Kuki volunteers. The Naga People’s Organization (NPO) called the assault deeply troubling despite repeated MoUs between the NPO and the CoTU which were intended to ensure peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and cooperation among the two communities. Following the incident, citing safety and security concerns, the Kuki Students’ Organisation, Sadar Hills, had directed all Kukis to leave Senapati immediately on December 25.  Ukhrul Times