Kangpokpi: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex civil body representing the Kuki tribes, on Tuesday announced another 48-hour extension of the ongoing total shutdown across Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, intensifying pressure on the Government over what it described as “continued inaction” and failure to address the community’s pressing concerns.
The decision was reportedly taken during a joint meeting attended by Kuki Inpi leaders and various district-level civil society organisations on Tuesday.
According to KIM, the fresh shutdown will take effect from midnight of May 19, 2026, immediately after the expiry of the previous 48-hour extension, marking the third consecutive extension of the agitation.
In its statement, KIM said the decision to prolong the shutdown was driven by the Government’s “continued inaction and failure” to respond to the legitimate demands raised by the community, while also expressing disappointment over the “absence of any tangible positive development on the ground.”
The shutdown was initially imposed in the aftermath of the brutal killing of three Church leaders on May 13, alongside growing outrage surrounding the alleged abduction and continued captivity of Kuki-Zo civilians, incidents that triggered widespread anger, fear, and resentment across the hill districts.
Tensions further escalated amid allegations of administrative failure, delayed response from the authorities, and rising concerns over the safety and release of the remaining hostages.
Civil society organisations had earlier accused the Government of failing to take decisive action despite repeated appeals, ultimatums, and mounting public pressure from the community.
The prolonged shutdown has severely disrupted normal life in several Kuki-Zo dominated areas, particularly in Kangpokpi district, where roads remained largely deserted, markets shut, and public movement heavily restricted.
Despite the growing frustration, KIM appealed to the public to maintain peace, solidarity, and cooperation during the shutdown period.
