CoTU Calls ‘Separation Day’, Announces 12-Hour NH-2 Shutdown in Kangpokpi on May 3

In a strong assertion of political and social separation, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has announced the observance of “Separation Day” on May 3 across Kangpokpi district, coupled with a 12-hour total shutdown along National Highway-2.

The committee said the observance is aimed at “reminding the Government of India” that the Kuki-Zo community stands “physically and demographically separated” from the Meitei community, underscoring deepening fault lines in Manipur’s conflict landscape.

A complete shutdown will be enforced from 6 am to 6 pm, during which all business establishments, educational institutions, private and government offices will remain closed. Movement along NH-2 — a critical lifeline — will be severely restricted, though medical emergencies and funeral processions have been exempted.

In a further show of collective protest, CoTU announced a blanket halt on travel, farming, and routine activities by the Kuki-Zo community throughout the day.

The central programme will be held at Martyrs’ Cemetery in Phaijang at 12 noon, where a cross-section of Kuki-Zo leadership — including tribal bodies, church leaders, student organisations, women’s groups and intellectuals — are expected to gather to pay homage to those killed in the ongoing ethnic strife.

Describing the day as both a political message and a solemn remembrance, CoTU said the observance will honour “fallen heroes who defended their land against encroachment,” while reinforcing calls for recognition of their separate identity and lived reality.

The announcement comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur, with the shutdown likely to impact normal life and movement in the hill districts.

CoTU appealed to the public to extend “full cooperation and solidarity,” signalling that the observance carries both symbolic weight and ground-level implications.