New Delhi: Manipur continues to be on the boil days after two Kuki men were allegedly abducted by Naga militants. The Committee of Tribal Unity (CoTU) gave a call for mass demonstration Saturday to protest atrocities against civilians in the state. Meanwhile, several Kukis took to the street as a total shutdown called Thursday evening continued Friday in the Kangpokpi district. The shutdown is expected to continue till Saturday evening, ThePrint has learnt.
The ongoing tensions in Manipur are a fallout of violence that began in May 2023 between the state’s majority Meitei and tribal Kuki communities. In its latest turn, the violence has metamorphosed into clashes between the Kukis and tribal Nagas.
On Thursday, the government of Manipur held a meeting with the Cabinet of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), a group representing the community, in Churchandpur to discuss its concerns and demands amid the violence. Following extensive deliberations, the government agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians who lost their lives in violence attributed to Naga armed groups National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah and Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson).
“The government also agreed to take responsibility for transporting all the deceased to their respective villages for the final rites. Both arrangements are expected to be completed within seven days,” the KZC said in a statement.
‘Govt intentions under question’
The two youths abducted Wednesday have been identified as Paoginlal Hangshing (20) and Tinginlul Chongloi (21), both residents of the Taphou Kuki village. They were picked up between the Hengbung and Taphou Kuki villages.
In response to the CoTU’s subsequent shutdown call, all shops, markets and business establishments remained closed from Thursday onwards in the Kangpokpi district. Public and private vehicles stayed off the roads, and movement was disrupted along major routes and entry points. Schools, government offices and private establishments also remained shut. However, CoTU allowed essential services, including emergency medical operations, media personnel and security forces, to continue functioning.
On Friday, the CoTU called upon people to rise in a massive show of solidarity and participate in a mass protest rally Saturday at Kangpokpi against the “relentless persecution, continued threats to civilian lives, and persistent injustices confronting our people”.
The CoTU has accused the state administration and security forces of adopting a discriminatory approach. Its representatives have alleged that authorities respond quickly to incidents involving other communities but are slow to act when Kuki-Zo people are targeted.
“For far too long, our people have endured insecurity, intimidation, suffering, and the consequences of unresolved grievances. The continued plight of our people raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding constitutional rights, ensuring equal justice, and restoring confidence in the rule of law,” a statement issued by CoTU said.
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen has condemned the alleged abduction and expressed concern for the safety of the two youths. “I am deeply concerned and strongly condemn the abduction of two young men, Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi from Taphou Kuki Village on 28 October 2026. They were reportedly abducted from 9th MR/Maremei area under Senapati Police jurisdiction by unknown miscreants,” she said in a press statement.
She added that she was distressed that young lives were being put at risk in this manner. “I urge the concerned authorities to make every possible effort to trace their whereabouts and secure their safe and unconditional release at the earliest. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice,” she said.