Shutdown observed in Manipur's Kangpokpi as body of Lasan villager arrives

A shutdown was observed across Kangpokpi district on June 10 after the body of a villager who was killed in Tamenglong district was brought to Kangpokpi, prompting expressions of grief and condemnation from several Kuki civil society organisations.

The mortal remains of Haokhogin Lhouvum, a resident of Lasan village in Tamenglong district, arrived at Kangpokpi District Hospital at around 1:45 am under security arrangements.

According to local sources, the team involved in recovering the body encountered difficulties along the route and had to take an alternative road before reaching Kangpokpi.

Lhouvum was killed on June 9 while working in a paddy field along with other villagers. Kuki organisations alleged that armed militants were involved in the incident, though authorities have not officially confirmed the identity of the attackers.

Survivors claimed that armed men opened fire on the group while they were engaged in agricultural activities. Lhouvum sustained fatal injuries, while the others managed to escape.

Villagers said certain items believed to be linked to the incident were recovered from the area and later handed over to police personnel from Tamei Police Station during the recovery process.

A large number of people gathered at Kangpokpi District Hospital to receive the body. Representatives of the Kuki Inpi, Committee on Tribal Unity and other community organisations were present.

In response to the incident, CoTU announced a shutdown across Kangpokpi district until the burial of the deceased. Educational institutions, business establishments and offices remained closed, while essential and vehicular services were exempted.

The burial programme had not been finalised at the time of filing this report, and the body was being kept at the district hospital mortuary.

Several Kuki organisations condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation and action against those responsible. 

The incident has also renewed concerns over security in parts of the hill districts.