Kangpokpi: The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), Sadar Hills, has strongly condemned the killing of three Kuki-Zo civilians in what it described as a “heinous and cowardly act,” allegedly carried out by armed Meitei militants at Shantipur.
In a press statement issued on April 9, COTU expressed shock and outrage over the incident, stating that the victims were shot at point-blank range. The committee alleged that the attack undermines ongoing peace efforts in the region, particularly following months of President’s Rule aimed at restoring normalcy in Manipur.
The organisation criticized what it termed as a “half-baked peace initiative” by the Centre, arguing that attempts to establish a popular government without first resolving the underlying political crisis have proven ineffective. It pointed to the Shantipur incident, along with the earlier Tronglaobi episode, as clear indicators of unresolved tensions and fragile ground realities.
Reiterating its firm stance, COTU recalled its 8-point public resolution adopted during its 22nd Remembrance Day on March 3, 2025, at Martyr Cemetery. The committee emphasized that the demand for a “Buffer Zone” remains non-negotiable and sacrosanct, reflecting the aspirations and security concerns of the Kuki-Zo community.
In response to the killings, COTU announced the imposition of a 24-hour total shutdown along National Highway-2. The shutdown will commence at midnight on April 9 and continue until midnight of April 10, 2026. The committee stated that the agitation will persist until those responsible for the killings are identified and brought to justice.
However, the organisation clarified that essential services will remain exempted from the shutdown. These include medical services, water supply, electricity, funeral processions, and air passengers, ensuring minimal disruption to critical needs.
