CoTU Extends Kangpokpi Shutdown by 48 Hours, Warns of Mass Public Meeting Over Government’s ‘Inaction’ on Killing of Two Kuki-Zo Youths

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The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) on Monday extended its ongoing total shutdown in Kangpokpi district of Manipur by another 48 hours, accusing the government of continued inaction and failure to deliver justice for the brutal killing of two Kuki-Zo youths following their abduction last week.

In an urgent public notice issued on November 2, the tribal organisation said the extension was in the strongest condemnation of what it described as the government's "shameful indecision, unacceptable silence and continued failure" to initiate tangible action against those responsible for the killings.

The shutdown, which was earlier extended by 24 hours, will now continue for another 48 hours. However, schools, medical services, media and airport-related travel have been exempted from the shutdown to facilitate essential movement.

Lashing out at the government's handling of the killings, CoTU said the authorities had failed to act decisively despite the gravity of the crime, leaving the bereaved families and the entire Kuki-Zo community waiting for justice.

"The patience of a grieving community must never be mistaken for weakness, nor its demand for justice be treated with contempt," the organisation asserted.

CoTU maintained that the Kuki-Zo people would no longer accept empty assurances, administrative excuses or endless deliberations in place of justice, and demanded immediate, concrete and time-bound action against those responsible for what it termed a heinous crime.

The organisation further warned that failure by the government to ensure decisive action and timely justice within the extended 48-hour period would compel the Kuki-Zo community to convene a mass public meeting to collectively deliberate, determine and announce its subsequent course of action.

It said the next course of action would be decided collectively, holding the government responsible for the consequences of its continued failure to respond to the community's demand for justice.

The two Kuki-Zo youths, Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi, were allegedly abducted on October 28 while returning from Hengbung Police Outpost. Their bodies were subsequently recovered on November 1, bringing an end to hopes of their safe return and triggering widespread outrage and protests across Kangpokpi district.

The killings have intensified tensions in the district, with CoTU spearheading protests and successive shutdowns to press for accountability and justice.