In response to the recent arrest of two Kuki-Zo village volunteers in Jiribam district, the Kuki Inpi has announced a 12-hour shutdown in Kuki-Zo-dominated areas. It is the traditional governing body of the Kuki community in Manipur. This protest is scheduled to take place from 6 am to 6 pm on July 10.
According to their statement, “The recent incidents are deeply troubling and pose a severe security threat to the Kuki-Zo community. As a result, the Kuki Inpi has resolved in its Emergency Meeting today to call for a 12-hour (6 am to 6 pm) total shutdown in all Kuki-Zo dominated areas to protest the gross injustice faced by our people, on July 10.”
The Kuki Inpi urged all Kuki-Zo regional organisations to strictly observe the shutdown, stressing the importance of solidarity in their fight against what they describe as unlawful oppression, subjugation, and persecution. They further reiterated their demand for a Union Territory with a Legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.
In a related development, a combined team of CRPF (32, 69, 86, 109, 143, GC-QAT), Assam Rifles, and State forces conducted an early morning operation at around 4:30 am on July 9. This operation led to the arrest of three suspected Kuki militants in Hengjol village, under New Keithelmanbi Police Station in Kangpokpi district. The raid resulted in the seizure of three AK series weapons.
During this operation, a crowd of women gathered at the scene, and security forces used tear gas to disperse them, causing injuries to a few women. The situation remains tense as authorities continue their investigation and work to ensure security in the area.
