Manipur: KIM extends shutdown by 48 hours amid intensifying protest over hostages in Kangpokpi

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki tribes, has extended the ongoing total shutdown across Kuki-Zo areas by another 48 hours, intensifying pressure on the Government to secure the safe release of the remaining Kuki-Zo hostages allegedly held captive in Senapati district.

The decision was announced following a massive protest demonstration held at the Kangpokpi district headquarters on Sunday, where thousands of Kuki-Zo men, women, youths, and elders participated in a coordinated march demanding the immediate and unconditional release of 14 civilians and justice for the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders.

The protest march began from Nute Kailhang and proceeded through Kangpokpi town to the Superintendent of Police’s office, with demonstrators carrying placards and raising slogans calling for the release of the captives and implementation of the Charter of Demands submitted to the Government.

The mobilisation was organised under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Manipur and was joined by several Kuki-Zo civil society organisations. Following the march, protestors assembled at Brigadier M. Thomas Ground, where KIM Information Secretary Janghaolun Haokip addressed the gathering and stated that the democratic agitation would continue until justice was secured.

The shutdown disrupted normal life across Kangpokpi district, with business establishments remaining closed, highways largely deserted, and public activities coming to a standstill.

Later in the day, Kuki-Zo civil society organisations held a closed-door meeting at the office of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), where they resolved to extend the shutdown by an additional 48 hours, citing the continued captivity of the remaining hostages.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Haokip reiterated that the principal demands of the agitation include the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all remaining hostages and urgent action on the Charter of Demands already submitted to the Government.

He said four days had passed since the killing of the three religious leaders belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, describing the incident as a tragedy that had intensified public grief and concerns over further violence in the region.

Haokip acknowledged the Government’s efforts in facilitating the release of several detainees from both the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities over the past two days, but stated that the continued detention of others remained a serious humanitarian concern.

Describing the partial release as a positive development, he appealed to authorities to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of all remaining captives.

He also warned that any failure to intervene decisively could aggravate tensions and further destabilise the already fragile situation in the region.

Stressing the need for restraint, Haokip appealed to community leaders, civil society organisations, and Government authorities to work toward de-escalation and initiate meaningful dialogue to prevent further violence.

He cautioned against attempts by vested interests to inflame ethnic divisions and stated that failure to exercise restraint could trigger wider unrest between communities.

Haokip further asserted that the Kuki-Zo community would continue its democratic agitation and mourning programmes until the Charter of Demands was fulfilled, while maintaining its demand for justice, security, and accountability.

With the shutdown extended and public mobilisation continuing to grow, the agitation in Kangpokpi has emerged as one of the most significant demonstrations in the region in recent months, reflecting mounting public anger and concern over the ongoing hostage crisis and recent killings.