CoTU Pauses Kangpokpi Shutdown, Issues Seven-Day Deadline to Government

Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has halted its total shutdown in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district for seven days. This move gives the state government a final chance to address the group's Charter of Demands. Officials must act now. CoTU warned that if authorities fail to deliver acceptable solutions within the week, the group will reinstate the shutdown with even more intensity.

Tensions flared after two Kuki youths were abducted from Taphou Kuki village on October 28. Search parties found their bodies on November 1. This discovery triggered massive outrage and the original indefinite shutdown across the region. CoTU says the current pause does not mean it has backed down or weakened its position. They are testing the government's sincerity.

The group remains firm on its protest schedule. It will host democratic sit-in demonstrations at various spots throughout the district while the suspension holds. The committee also refuses to claim the bodies of the two victims currently held in a morgue. They will not take the remains until their charter is fulfilled. The group noted the suspension is designed to provide the government an opportunity to take "concrete and decisive steps" toward addressing its demands.