Manipurs Kuki-Zo Community Calls for 24-Hour Shutdown Demanding Justice and Security

Kangpokpi, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : The Kuki-Zo community in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has announced a complete shutdown for 24 hours, starting from midnight on October 20 until midnight on October 21. This decision, made by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), aims to highlight ongoing issues of violence, displacement, and insecurity faced by the community.

In a statement released by COTU’s information and publicity division, the organization expressed deep concern over the continuous loss of life and property, destruction of homes, forced displacement, and the prevailing sense of insecurity among the Kuki-Zo people. They criticized the lack of adequate measures taken to ensure justice, restore security, and rehabilitate affected families despite the community’s struggles.

The statement also raised alarm over the alleged arbitrary arrests of Kuki-Zo community members in connection with the murder of three Meitei citizens. COTU emphasized that such arrests, made without establishing the individuals’ involvement through a fair and independent investigation, are troubling.

Additionally, the organization referenced the murder of Paolenmung Thangeo by NSCN-IM, noting that this incident has intensified feelings of pain and insecurity within the community.

COTU provided statistics indicating that violence has claimed the lives of 32 Kuki-Zo individuals, destroyed 30 villages, and led to the demolition of 271 homes, displacing over 2,516 people. These figures reflect the suffering of families and communities still struggling to rebuild their lives.

The shutdown is portrayed as a collective protest demanding justice, accountability, and solutions to the issues faced by the community. COTU urged Kuki-Zo individuals to adhere to the shutdown with unity and discipline, assuring that it would be conducted peacefully. Emergency medical services and life-saving situations will be exempt from the shutdown restrictions.