Imphal: Normal life came to a halt across Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Friday as a 48-hour total shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) entered its second day.
The shutdown began at 5 pm on Thursday and is scheduled to end at 5 pm on Saturday.
CoTU called the shutdown to demand the immediate, safe and unconditional release of two Kuki youths, Thangginlun Chongloi and Paoginlal Hangsing.
They reportedly went missing after being allegedly abducted by Naga militants between Hengbung and Taphou Kuki village on Wednesday.
All shops, markets and business establishments remained closed across the Kuki-majority district. Public and private vehicles stayed off the roads, disrupting movement along major routes and entry points.
Schools, government offices and private establishments also remained closed in response to the shutdown. However, CoTU allowed essential services, including emergency medical operations, media personnel and security forces, to continue functioning.
CoTU accused the state administration and security forces of adopting a discriminatory approach. Its representatives alleged that authorities responded quickly to incidents involving other communities but were slow to act when Kuki-Zo people were targeted.
The organisation warned of further protests if the two youths were not found before the shutdown ends on Saturday evening.
In a statement issued on Friday, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the alleged abduction and expressed concern for the safety of the two youths.
She extended her support to their families and directed authorities to use all available resources to trace them and secure their immediate, unconditional release.
Kipgen also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could lead to further violence in the region.