Manipur: Thousands mourn slain Kuki-Zo Farmer; CoTU demands crackdown on armed groups

Thousands of mourners from across the Kuki-Zo community gathered in Kangpokpi on July 12 to pay their last respects to Haolal Singsit, a 53-year-old farmer who was shot dead while working in his jhum field at Govajang village on July 11, as the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) demanded immediate action against armed militant groups operating in the region.

 

An atmosphere of grief prevailed at the Kangpokpi Community Hall, where Singsit's mortal remains were kept before being taken to his native village for the funeral. Community members offered floral tributes and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

 

According to CoTU, Singsit was allegedly shot while working in his field alongside his wife, who escaped unharmed after suspected NSCN-IM and ZUF-Kamson militants reportedly opened fire.

 

Addressing the media, CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen strongly condemned the killing, describing it as evidence of continued attacks on innocent Kuki-Zo civilians. He alleged that armed groups had continued their activities despite ongoing investigations and recent security operations in the area.

 

Kipgen questioned the effectiveness of the security response, noting that the incident occurred shortly after security agencies had conducted combing operations and made arrests in connection with other cases. He urged both the Government of India and the Manipur Government to take firm action against armed militant groups and prevent further violence in the conflict-hit hill districts.

 

The CoTU spokesperson also appealed to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to ensure impartial governance and strengthen security measures to protect civilians.

 

Following a post-mortem examination at the district hospital, Singsit's body was taken to Govajang village for the final rites. The condolence programme concluded with prayers and renewed calls for justice, as community leaders expressed concern over the continuing security challenges in Manipur's hill districts.