KANGPOKPI: In a significant development amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), along with the Joint Kuki-Zo Civil Society Organisations, has announced the temporary suspension of the total shutdown imposed across Kuki-Zo inhabited districts following what it described as positive assurances received from the government during successive rounds of consultations held on May 29 and 30.
The decision comes against the backdrop of heightened public anger over the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders and the continued captivity of 14 Kuki-Zo individuals allegedly being held hostage in Senapati district.
In a statement, KIM said the temporary lifting of the shutdown was undertaken as a gesture of goodwill and cooperation to facilitate administrative processes and provide the authorities an opportunity to address the pressing concerns and grievances of the Kuki-Zo people.
The organisation, however, stressed that the suspension should not be viewed as a withdrawal of its demands or a softening of its position on issues concerning justice, security and the rights of the community.
“The lifting of the shutdown should not, under any circumstances, be misconstrued as a compromise of our rights or dilution of our demands,” KIM stated, describing the move as a responsible and constructive step taken in anticipation of meaningful government action.
The apex tribal body noted that the Kuki-Zo people had demonstrated considerable restraint, patience and cooperation despite enduring prolonged hardship and what it termed persistent injustices. It expressed hope that the government would reciprocate the community’s goodwill through concrete action, accountability and sincere engagement.
At the same time, KIM issued a strong warning that the temporary relaxation would be closely monitored and that any failure by the authorities to act decisively could trigger a renewed and more intensified phase of democratic agitation.
“Kuki Inpi Manipur makes it unequivocally clear that any failure, delay, negligence, or lack of visible action on the part of the Government will compel the Kuki-Zo people to intensify the shutdown and democratic agitations further,” the statement said.
The organisation further asserted that responsibility for any escalation arising from government inaction would rest solely with the authorities, emphasising that the community’s demands for justice and security could no longer be ignored.
KIM also expressed gratitude to the Kuki-Zo public for maintaining unity, discipline and solidarity throughout the shutdown and related public movements, describing the collective response as a reflection of the community’s determination to seek justice through democratic means.
Reaffirming its commitment to the ongoing movement, the organisation stated that the struggle would continue until justice is delivered, security concerns are adequately addressed and constitutional safeguards for the Kuki-Zo people are ensured.
The temporary suspension of the shutdown is being viewed as a crucial opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to resolving the issues raised by the Kuki-Zo community. Civil society leaders indicated that the decision represents a pause in the agitation rather than its conclusion, with future actions likely to depend on the government’s response in the coming days.
