Imphal: A 48-hour shutdown will begin across Manipur’s Kangpokpi district at 5 pm on Thursday, October 29, following the alleged abduction of two Kuki youths on Wednesday.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced the shutdown in an official notice, demanding the immediate, safe and unconditional release of the two youths.
The committee identified them as Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangsing, 20, both residents of Taphou Kuki village.
According to CoTU, Naga militants intercepted and abducted the youths between Hengbung and Taphou Kuki village. The committee urged the state administration to take immediate steps to rescue them.
The shutdown will close educational institutions, markets, commercial establishments and government offices across the district.
Private vehicles will also remain off the roads. Emergency medical services, media personnel and security forces will be exempt.
CoTU accused the state government and security forces of responding differently to security incidents involving different communities.
It alleged that incidents affecting other communities prompted immediate search operations, while cases involving Kuki-Zo victims faced delays and official inaction.
The committee warned that it would intensify its agitation if the youths were not returned unharmed.
It also held the state government and those responsible for the alleged abduction accountable for any further deterioration in the security situation.