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, increasing pressure on the Government to secure the safe release of the remaining Kuki-Zo hostages allegedly being held captive in Senapati district.
The decision was announced after a massive protest demonstration at the Kangpokpi district headquarters on Sunday, where thousands of Kuki-Zo men, women, youths and elders joined 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 rally began from Nute Kailhang and passed through Kangpokpi town before reaching the office of the Superintendent of Police. Demonstrators carried placards and raised slogans demanding the release of the captives and implementation of the Charter of Demands submitted to the Government.
The mobilisation was organised under the leadership of Kuki Inpi Manipur and was supported by several Kuki-Zo civil society organisations.
Following the march, protestors gathered at Brigadier M. Thomas Ground, where KIM Information Secretary Janghaolun Haokip addressed the gathering and said the democratic agitation would continue until justice is ensured.
The shutdown severely affected normal life in Kangpokpi district, with shops and commercial establishments remaining shut, highways largely deserted and public activities coming to a halt.
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 decided to extend the shutdown by another 48 hours due to the continued captivity of the remaining hostages.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Haokip reiterated that the primary demands of the agitation are 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 Kuki-Zo religious leaders and described the incident as a tragedy that had deepened public grief and fears of 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. However, he said the continued detention of others remained a serious humanitarian concern.
Describing the partial release of detainees as a positive step, he appealed to authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all remaining captives.
He also warned that failure to intervene decisively could worsen tensions and destabilise the already fragile situation in the region.
Calling for restraint, Haokip appealed to community leaders, civil society groups and Government authorities to work towards de-escalation and initiate meaningful dialogue to prevent further violence.
He cautioned that attempts by vested interests to inflame ethnic divisions could trigger wider unrest between communities.
Haokip further stated that the Kuki-Zo community would continue democratic protests and mourning programmes until the Charter of Demands is fulfilled, while maintaining its call 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 protest movements in the region in recent months, reflecting growing public anger and concern over the hostage crisis and recent killings.
