Shutdown in Manipur’s Tengnoupal over arrest of Kuki-Zo leader

Tension escalated in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district on May 1, as several Kuki-Zo civil society organisations enforced a dawn-to-dusk shutdown, protesting the alleged “arbitrary arrest” of a social leader.
 

A conglomerate of groups, including the Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Molnoi Area Welfare Council, Hill Tribal Council, Kuki Students’ Organisation, and Kuki Women Union and Human Rights, called for a “total shutdown” from 5 am to 5 pm, bringing normal life in the district to a standstill.
 

The protest was triggered by the arrest of Otkhothang Baite, a former chairman of Canan Veng and HTC Unit-XI, who was taken into custody on April 30.
 

In a joint statement, the organisations described Baite as a “dedicated and honest social leader” and alleged that his arrest was based on “unjustified inputs and FIRs”.
 

They demanded his immediate release and criticised the state police, alleging that such actions could further aggravate tensions in the region.
 

The groups also claimed there was “selective targeting” of Kuki-Zo leaders, while others involved in violence were allegedly not being acted against.
 

Appealing to the Centre for intervention, the organisations urged authorities to ensure that justice is delivered impartially.
 

The shutdown, backed by multiple influential bodies in Tengnoupal, reflects growing discontent and raises concerns of further escalation in the already sensitive region.