Normal life remained disrupted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district for the second consecutive day as markets, shops and business establishments stayed shut during a shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) to protest the alleged inaction of the state government over the killing of two Kuki youths.
According to police, several goods-laden vehicles travelling towards Imphal via the national highway were unable to enter Kangpokpi district and remained stranded in neighbouring Senapati district. Additional security personnel were deployed across the district to prevent any untoward incidents.
The shutdown was announced after the mutilated bodies of two Kuki youths, who had reportedly gone missing several days earlier, were recovered from a hilly area in Senapati district on Sunday. CoTU initially called a 24-hour shutdown but later extended it by another 48 hours.
In a statement, the organisation accused the government of displaying “shameful indecision, unacceptable silence and continued failure” to ensure justice for the victims. The group said the Kuki-Zo community would not accept mere assurances and demanded time-bound action against those responsible for the killings.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur. Since May 2023, violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed more than 300 lives, displaced thousands and left several people missing. Recent months have also witnessed sporadic clashes between Kuki and Naga groups.
Meanwhile, the Chingdai Area Core Committee (CACCO) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF and CoBRA, demanding the return of property and cash allegedly taken during a combing operation conducted at S. Phailengkot village in Kangpokpi district on October 20.
The committee alleged that security personnel took away household items, livestock and cash during the operation. According to CACCO, the items included solar lamps, solar batteries, traditional daos, curved knives, power banks, mobile chargers, chickens, ducks and ₹40,000 in cash.
Condemning the alleged incident, the committee accused the personnel involved of using the combing operation as a cover for looting and robbery. It also questioned the role of the commanding officer in preventing such alleged misconduct.
CACCO has demanded that all items and cash be returned by November 4, warning that failure to comply would force the organisation to lodge an FIR against the personnel concerned, their commanding officer, and the security agencies involved.
The committee urged authorities to respect civilians’ property and livelihoods while carrying out security operations.
