CoTU Extends Total Shutdown by Another 48 Hours, Declares ‘No Exemptions’ Amid Government Inaction Over Killings of Two Kuki-Zo Civilians

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, on Wednesday extended its ongoing total shutdown by another 48 hours, accusing the government of continued inaction and failure to take decisive measures to ensure justice for the brutal killing of two Kuki-Zo civilians.

The committee announced that the shutdown, which was scheduled to conclude at 5 pm on Wednesday, would now continue for another 48 hours, citing the government's failure to act on its demands and implement the Charter of Demands submitted in connection with the killings.

The extended shutdown will remain in force until 5:00 PM on November 6.

The organisation said the government's response, despite the gravity of the incident and mounting anguish among the Kuki-Zo people, had fallen far short of the urgent and decisive intervention required, with continued delays and an apparent lack of determination to address the demands further deepening public resentment and eroding confidence in the government's commitment to justice.

Reiterating its uncompromising position, CoTU asserted that its Charter of Demands was "non-negotiable and non-compromisable", warning that it would not accept dilution, selective implementation, partial compliance or exemptions.

It demanded the immediate fulfilment of the entire charter, insisting that the government demonstrate its seriousness through concrete and decisive action rather than further assurances or delays.

In a significant escalation of the shutdown, CoTU declared that the extended 48-hour agitation would be enforced without any exemptions or relaxation whatsoever, irrespective of the nature of activities or the parties involved.

"All concerned are expected to strictly adhere to the shutdown," the organisation stated, signalling a blanket enforcement of the protest across its jurisdiction.

The committee further warned that any failure by the government to deliver justice within the extended period would compel the Kuki-Zo people to intensify their democratic agitation and resort to stronger collective measures.

Holding the government entirely responsible for any further deterioration of the situation, CoTU cautioned that the consequences arising from continued official inaction would rest solely with the authorities.

The committee appeals to the general public, commuters and transporters to understand and respect the sentiments of the people during this difficult time and extend their cooperation and support.