By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Tension rose in Tengnoupal district jn Manipur on Friday as several Kuki-Zo civil society organisations enforced a dawn-to-dusk shutdown, protesting what they termed the “arbitrary arrest” of a social leader.
A coalition of groups, including the Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Molnoi Area Welfare Council, Hill Tribal Council, Kuki Students’ Organisation, and Kuki Women Union and Human Rights, called for a complete shutdown from 5 am to 5 pm. The bandh disrupted normal activities across the district.
The protest followed the arrest of Otkhothang Baite, a former chairman of Canan Veng and HTC Unit-XI, who was taken into custody on April 30.
In a joint statement, the organisations described Baite as a committed social figure and claimed that his arrest was based on questionable inputs and FIRs.
They demanded his immediate release and criticised the state police, warning that such actions could worsen the already fragile situation in the region. The groups further alleged “selective targeting” of Kuki-Zo leaders, stating that others accused of involvement in violence were not being similarly pursued.
Appealing to the Centre for intervention, the organisations urged authorities to ensure fair and unbiased justice.
The shutdown, supported by several influential bodies in the district, highlights growing resentment and raises concerns over a possible escalation of tensions in the sensitive region.