Normal Life Comes to a Standstill in Churachandpur Amid Shutdown Over Killing of Church Leaders

Normal life came to a standstill in Churachandpur district of Manipur following the shutdown imposed by Kuki-Zo student and civil bodies in the district over the killing of Thadou Baptist Church leaders in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday.

Following the incident, the Kuki Students Organisation Churachandpur declared an emergency shutdown in Churachandpur district from Wednesday afternoon.

Endorsing the shutdown, the Zomi Students Federation also declared a shutdown in the district from Wednesday evening, which was endorsed by the Central Village Defense Force. Zou Sangnaupang Paawl, a Zou student body, and the Hmar Students Association also endorsed the shutdown called by the Kuki Students Organisation Churachandpur. The apex body of the Kuki community, Kuki Inpi Manipur, also declared a total shutdown from May 13 midnight till May 15 midnight in all Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.

During the shutdown on Thursday, all business establishments and educational institutions remained closed. The main roads in the district wore a deserted look. Except for emergencies and water supply, no vehicles were allowed to travel on the roads.

Volunteers enforcing the shutdown blocked roads at different locations in the district. No untoward incidents have been reported during the shutdown.