Kangpokpi: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has extended the ongoing total shutdown across Kuki-Zo areas by another 48 hours, intensifying pressure on the Government to ensure the safe release of the remaining Kuki-Zo hostages allegedly held in Senapati district.
The decision came amid a massive peaceful protest staged on Sunday at Kangpokpi district headquarters, where thousands of Kuki-Zo people gathered in a powerful display of solidarity and grief over the continued captivity of civilians and the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders.
In a strong appeal for peace and justice, KIM declared that “enough blood has been shed” and urged authorities to take immediate steps to secure the unconditional release of all remaining captives.
Thousands of protestors, including men, women, elders, and youths, marched from Nute Kailhang through the heart of Kangpokpi town to the Superintendent of Police’s office, carrying placards and raising slogans demanding justice, accountability, and the immediate release of all hostages.
The demonstration was organised under the aegis of KIM and supported by several major Kuki-Zo civil society organisations.
Following the rally, protestors assembled at Brigadier M. Thomas Ground, where KIM Information Secretary Janghaolun Haokip addressed the gathering in the presence of leaders from various Kuki-Zo organisations. He asserted that the democratic movement would continue until justice is achieved and all captives are safely returned.
The shutdown brought normal life in Kangpokpi to a standstill, with markets closed, highways largely deserted, and public activities suspended across the district.
Later in the day, Kuki-Zo civil society groups under the banner of KIM held a closed-door meeting at the office of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), where they resolved to extend the shutdown for another 48 hours, citing the continued detention of the remaining hostages.
Speaking to the media, Haokip reiterated that the primary demands of the agitation include the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all hostages and the urgent implementation of the Charter of Demands previously submitted to the Government.
He stated that four days had passed since the killing of the three Kuki-Zo religious leaders, an incident he described as a tragedy that has deeply shaken the community and heightened fears of escalating violence.
While acknowledging the Government’s role in facilitating the release of some detainees from both the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities over the past two days, Haokip said the continued captivity of several individuals remained a serious humanitarian and constitutional concern.
Describing the partial releases as a positive development, he appealed to the authorities to intensify efforts and take all necessary measures to secure the immediate and safe release of those still being held.
Haokip further warned that any failure by the authorities to intervene decisively could embolden lawlessness and further destabilise the already fragile situation in the region.
He cautioned that the region was standing “on the brink of a potentially violent conflict” and stressed the urgent need to prevent the crisis from escalating into a larger Kuki-Naga confrontation.
Calling for restraint and dialogue, Haokip appealed to all stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society organisations, and Government authorities, to act responsibly and work toward meaningful de-escalation.
He also warned both communities against falling prey to forces seeking to exploit tensions for vested interests and provoke wider ethnic unrest.
Reaffirming the community’s resolve, Haokip stated that until the Charter of Demands is fulfilled, the Kuki-Zo people would continue their democratic movement while observing mourning in honour of the slain leaders.
With the shutdown extended and public mobilisation intensifying, the protest movement in Kangpokpi continues to gather momentum, with Kuki-Zo organisations maintaining pressure on the Government for justice, accountability, and the safe return of all remaining hostages.
