Kangpokpi District Faces Extended Shutdown Amid Protests Over Civilian Killings

The Kangpokpi district in Manipur is experiencing a critical situation as the Committee on Tribal Unity extends its shutdown by 48 hours. This protest is in response to the government's inaction regarding the killings of two Kuki-Zo civilians. With normal life disrupted and vehicles stranded, the community demands immediate justice and accountability. The shutdown follows the tragic discovery of the victims' bodies, which has sparked widespread unrest. The CoTU warns of further actions if their demands are not met, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 11:37 IST

Ongoing Tensions in Kangpokpi District

Imphal, Nov 3: The situation in Kangpokpi district of Manipur remains critical as of Tuesday, with numerous vehicles left stranded due to the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, extending its total shutdown by an additional 48 hours.

This shutdown was initiated in response to the government's perceived inaction regarding the deaths of two Kuki-Zo civilians in an area located east of National Highway 2, near SP Road.

As a result of the shutdown, daily life in the district has come to a halt.

Traffic, especially along the highway corridor, has been significantly affected, causing delays for passenger vehicles, goods transporters, and commuters.

Long-distance travel from Imphal to Nagaland and Assam has also been disrupted, with many vehicles seeking alternative routes to reach destinations like Dimapur and Guwahati.

A driver named Roshan mentioned that several vehicles are currently waiting for security escorts in the Litan area of Ukhrul district to continue their journeys.

In a public notice released on Monday, CoTU announced the extension of the shutdown from 36 to 48 hours, criticizing the government for its indecisiveness and failure to take meaningful action against those responsible for the killings.

CoTU accused the government of neglecting the safety and lives of Kuki-Zo civilians and demanded prompt, decisive, and time-sensitive actions against the perpetrators.

“The patience of a grieving community should not be mistaken for weakness, nor should its quest for justice be disregarded,” the committee emphasized.

CoTU also warned that if the government does not take immediate action and provide timely justice during this extended shutdown, the Kuki-Zo community will hold a mass public meeting to discuss and announce their next steps.

This shutdown follows the disappearance of two young men, Paoginlal Hangs ing (20) and Tinginlun Chongloi (20), from Taphou Kuki village on October 28. Their bodies were discovered on November 1 during joint search efforts, leading to widespread protests and confrontations between security forces and demonstrators in Kangpokpi.

CoTU has stated that they will not claim the bodies until the government addresses their demands.