7-day ultimatum to Manipur govt: CoTU pauses shutdown, warns of bigger agitation

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has temporarily suspended its ongoing total shutdown in Manipur's Kangpokpi district for seven days, giving the government a final opportunity to address its Charter of Demands.

The committee, however, warned that failure to reach acceptable and honourable solutions within the stipulated period would lead to the resumption of the shutdown with intensified agitation.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions following the abduction of two Kuki youths from Taphou Kuki village on October 28 and the subsequent recovery of their bodies on November 1. The incident had triggered widespread outrage and an indefinite shutdown across Kangpokpi district.

Announcing the decision, CoTU said the seven-day suspension was intended to provide the government an opportunity to take concrete and decisive steps towards addressing its demands. It clarified that the temporary relaxation should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from its position or a dilution of its demands.

As part of its continued agitation, the committee will organise democratic sit-in protests at various locations across the district during the seven-day period.

In another significant decision, CoTU said it would not claim the mortal remains of the two slain youths, which are currently lying in a morgue, until its Charter of Demands is fulfilled.

The committee maintained that the suspension was conditional and intended to test the government's sincerity through tangible action rather than assurances.

It warned that if the government failed to provide acceptable solutions within seven days, it would revoke the suspension and resume the total shutdown with intensified measures.

While the decision offers a temporary respite from the shutdown, CoTU has made it clear that its agitation will continue until its demands are addressed and justice is secured for the two victims.