Kuki Inpi Manipur announces 48-hour shutdown across Kuki-Zo areas over killing of church leaders

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing Kuki tribes in Manipur, has announced a 48-hour total shutdown across all Kuki-Zo inhabited areas from midnight of May 13 to midnight of May 15 following the killing of three prominent church leaders and injuries to five others in an alleged armed assault.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, KIM described the incident as a “barbaric and inhumane” attack allegedly carried out by the ZUF-Kamson faction in collusion with Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs). The organisation expressed “deepest grief and strongest condemnation” over the killing of Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen.

According to the organisation, the killings have “deeply wounded the sentiments of the Kuki-Zo people” and represent a direct assault on the spiritual and collective conscience of the community.

KIM said the shutdown would cover all business establishments, government offices, private institutions, schools and vehicular movement across Kuki-Zo areas. However, emergency and essential services, including medical care, airport operations, fire services and humanitarian activities, have been exempted from the restrictions.

The organisation also declared a two-day nationwide mourning programme across the Kuki-Zo community in honour of the slain religious leaders. It appealed to civil society organisations, churches, student bodies, women’s groups and members of the public to observe the shutdown in solidarity and as a mark of collective mourning.

As part of the observance, churches across Kuki-Zo areas have been directed to organise candlelight vigils at 7 PM on May 13 to remember the victims and offer prayers for justice, peace and healing.

KIM further called for unity and resilience among the community, stating that the killings of the church leaders would not be forgotten and reiterating the demand for justice amid rising tensions in the hill districts of Manipur.