ITLF Shutdown Strictly Enforced in Ccpur; Memo Demanding Punishment for Security Personnel Responsible for Killing Hoikholhing Submitted to Governor

The indefinite shutdown imposed by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), and endorsed by other civil society organizations in condemnation and protest over the killing of Kuki-Zo woman Hoikholhing Haokip—allegedly by security personnel on Thursday—was strictly enforced by volunteers across Churachandpur district on Friday.

In various locations, volunteers—especially women from different localities and villages—took to the streets since morning and blocked the main roads of the town with stones, old tyres, and other materials to halt vehicular movement.

Educational institutions, markets, and private business establishments remained closed. Even within villages and localities, shops were shut. However, emergency and medical services were allowed to pass through by the shutdown enforcers.

A few vehicles seen on the road were stopped, and their owners were questioned about the purpose of their travel. If the shutdown enforcers deemed the reason valid, they were allowed to proceed.

In some areas, it was reported that the enforcers turned back a few travelers midway. At one location, a truck belonging to central security forces was also stopped by women groups and asked to wait on the roadside.

There were no confirmed reports of any untoward incidents during the daytime enforcement of the shutdown. In the evening, women’s groups from different localities gathered again to continue enforcing the shutdown through the night.

Later in the evening, the ITLF submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district, demanding immediate action regarding the killing of Hoikholhing Haokip.

In the memorandum, the ITLF put forward several demands, including judicial action and accountability. They demanded that the security personnel responsible for the killing of Hoikholhing Haokip be identified, booked, and punished in accordance with the law.

The ITLF also urged the Governor to initiate a judicial inquiry to ensure transparency and accountability in the investigation.

Calling for respect for buffer zones and prevention of escalation, the ITLF stated that Hoikholhing’s death was a direct consequence of the violation of the buffer zone demarcated between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.

Until a mutually agreed-upon Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Cessation of Hostilities Agreement is reached, the memorandum stressed the importance of strictly maintaining the sanctity of buffer zones.

The ITLF noted that the incident has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Kuki-Zo community, leading to the imposition of an indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts.

It may be mentioned that the village chief of Langchingmanbi, who was reportedly shot by a stray bullet fired by security forces on Thursday evening, succumbed to her injuries.

According to reports, unidentified persons fired several gunshots on Thursday afternoon, injuring a Meitei man who was working in the fields at Phubala. He was taken to RIMS Hospital in Imphal. In response, locals from Phubala and surrounding areas blocked the road.

Following the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry reportedly conducted a combing operation in the Heichanglok area and fired several rounds, during which village chief Hoikholhing was injured. She later succumbed to her injuries.

In condemnation of the incident, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) declared a total shutdown with immediate effect as a mark of protest and mourning.