*REBUTTAL TO THE STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE COMMITTEE ON TRIBAL UNITY (COTU)* Lamka, Zogam | 11 June 2025 We respond with clarity to COTU's misleading letter attacking Pu Ketheos Zomi, Talks Delegate of UPF (Zomi). His June 8 letter was a principled, formally adopted political stand addressed to the Government of India, not a personal attack. *1. On the usage of misnomer "Kuki-Zo"* The casual invocation of "Kuki-Zo tribal unity" is historically and politically incorrect. It erases the Zomi and Hmar's long-standing resistance to assimilation under the colonial term "Kuki." If unity is the goal, it cannot be premised on identity erasure. Forced convergence is not unity, it is hegemony. *2. On the False Attribution of Calvin H.* COTU's claim that Calvin H. is a "former ZRA cadre" is factually wrong. He neither served as a cadre nor underwent training. That such a basic error passed COTU's filters reflects a concerning lack of due diligence for an organisation claiming to speak for tribal unity. *3. On Leadership and UPF* COTU's attempt to shield Pu Aaron Kipgen from critique ignores that UPF is a collective platform, not a personal fiefdom. Pu Ketheos Zomi's call for avoiding perceived bias is responsible leadership, not "divisive rhetoric." Questioning leadership is healthy, it is not betrayal. *4. On Fragmented Kuki CSOS* Zomi groups flagged real concerns: internal distrust, absence of revolutionary participation, and scattered Kuki CSOs operating autonomously from State to district-level units and branches without coherence. These are documented structural issues, not outside interference. *5. On Zomi Autonomy* Zomi groups have no political or territorial interest in Kangpokpi. Respecting boundaries, they have remained focused on their own roadmap. Choosing non-participation in a flawed meeting is not disrespect, it is responsible political clarity. *6. A Call for Maturity* COTU's rhetoric mirrors the very supremacist tendencies that once fractured the Khul Union. Using "Kuki-Zo" as a misnomer to dominate must end. True unity requires mutual respect, not rhetorical dominance. We reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, dignity, and democratic participation, as stated in Pu Ketheos's June 8 letter. We urge COTU to retract its statement and engage in honest, respectful discourse that reflects the diverse identities within our shared struggle. Issued in Public Interest -— BTT, Info and Publicity Department *BTT* 🔴🟡🟢 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaYCqe71yT229xZ6f42y