CoTU Suspends Total Shutdown for Seven Days, Gives Govt Final Window to Meet Demands; Warns of Intensified Agitation

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has decided to temporarily suspend its ongoing total shutdown for seven days, providing the government a limited window to deliver acceptable and honourable solutions to its Charter of Demands, while warning of intensified agitation if its demands remain unaddressed.

The decision comes amid mounting tension following the abduction of two Kuki youths from Taphou Kuki village on October 28 and the subsequent recovery of their bodies on November 1, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage and an indefinite shutdown across Kangpokpi district.

Announcing the decision, CoTU said the temporary suspension was intended to give the government an opportunity to take concrete and decisive steps towards addressing the demands raised by the committee. However, it made clear that the move should not be construed as a withdrawal from its position or a dilution of its demands.

As part of its next phase of agitation, the committee has decided to organise democratic sit-in protests at various locations across the district during the seven-day suspension period, signalling that public mobilisation and pressure on the government will continue.

In a significant and uncompromising decision, CoTU has also resolved not to claim the mortal remains of the two slain youths, currently lying in the morgue, until its Charter of Demands is fulfilled.

The committee maintained that the suspension was conditional and aimed at allowing the government a final opportunity to demonstrate its sincerity through tangible action rather than assurances.

CoTU warned that failure by the government to arrive at acceptable and honourable solutions within the stipulated seven-day window would prompt it to revoke the suspension and resume the total shutdown with intensified measures.

The latest decision marks a temporary pause in the shutdown but underscores the committee's determination to sustain its agitation until justice is secured for the two victims and its demands are addressed.

With the seven-day window now set, the onus lies on the government to respond decisively to the committee's demands and prevent a renewed escalation of the shutdown and public unrest across the district.