Shutdown in Manipur Following Attack on Church Leaders
Protest and Shutdown in Kuki-Zo Areas
A protester uses a megaphone to urge support for the shutdown in Kangpokpi. (AT Photo)
Imphal, May 14: A 48-hour shutdown initiated by various Kuki-Zo groups has significantly disrupted daily life in Kuki-Zo regions of Manipur, following the tragic killing of three church leaders and injuries to five others in an ambush in Kangpokpi district.
This shutdown has led to the closure of markets, shops, educational institutions, and numerous offices across several hill districts, effectively bringing normal activities to a halt.
Public transport and vehicular movement were notably diminished on key roads and highways, especially along National Highway-2, where civil organizations enforced the shutdown to protest the killings and demand justice.
Only essential services were operational in certain areas, while security forces were deployed to sensitive locations due to concerns about potential unrest following the attack.
The shutdown, led by the Kuki Inpi Manipur and backed by various civil society and tribal organizations, began at midnight on May 13 and is set to last until midnight on May 15.
The ambush occurred on the route between Saparmeina and Kotlen in Kangpokpi district when armed assailants targeted two vehicles transporting church leaders returning from a conference held by the United Thadou Baptist Churches.
In response to the ongoing tensions, the Joint Tribes Council Manipur issued a public advisory on Thursday, advising against travel on National Highway-37 due to the current volatile situation.
General Secretary Dr. Aku Newme stated that the public should refrain from unnecessary travel along the highway, particularly on the Tungjemaril stretch, until conditions improve. The council emphasized, “Travel along NH-37 is strongly discouraged due to the tense situation prevailing at present.”