Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has called a 24-hour shutdown in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district from midnight tonight until midnight on October 21.
The Kuki-Zo civil body said the shutdown was called in response to continued insecurity, displacement and deaths in the community. It said the protest was also intended to express collective grief and demand justice.
According to CoTU, the conflict has claimed the lives of 32 Kuki-Zo people, while 30 villages have been burnt down and 271 houses destroyed.
The organisation said 2,516 people have been displaced. It added that many families were struggling to rebuild their lives due to inadequate security and rehabilitation measures.
CoTU also condemned the recent arrests of Kuki-Zo individuals in connection with the killing of three Meitei civilians.
The committee demanded a fair and impartial investigation to establish guilt.
The organisation also condemned the killing of Paolenmung Thangneo in Kangpokpi district on Tuesday, alleging that the NSCN-IM was responsible. It said the killing had further heightened fear in the area.
CoTU urged community members to maintain discipline and unity during the shutdown. It said essential services, including medical emergencies, media, electricity, fire services and religious ceremonies, would remain exempt from the shutdown.