Rollback shutdown call: Zomi Council
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 20 2025: The Zomi Council (ZC) has appealed for the indefinite shutdown imposed against the killing of a Kuki woman at Langchingmanbi to be lifted to avoid further disruption to normal life.

Although the ZC did not specify the organization responsible, the shutdown was called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF).

The Zomi Council, in a press release, condoled the death of Hoikholhing 'due to firing by security forces' yesterday and expressed hope that the matter surrounding her death would be settled amicably through reconciliation and customary jurisprudence.

The Council suggested utilizing established conflict resolution mechanisms and mutual accommodation between stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution.

Consideration should be given to lifting the shutdown, as it has caused significant socio-economic hardship, and addressing these challenges should now be a priority, the Council said.

"Let this sorrowful chapter be concluded with dignity, wisdom and a shared commitment to peace", the Zomi Council said, appealing to all citizens, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to remain vigilant, reject all forms of violence and uphold the value of peace, justice and mutual respect.

The Zomi Council further said that they are taking a serious view of the recovery of explosive devices near the Assam Rifles check gate at Mata.

Saying that the area has since long been a bastion of peace and harmony, the Council said that planting explosive devices near the checkgate is a direct affront to public security and a sinister design to destabilise the fragile peace in the area.

The planting of deadly explosive substances on the roadside of an unsuspecting civilian zone is not just reprehensible but a clear act of cowardice and malice as it endangers the lives of innocent citizens, it said and demanded an thorough and impartial probe into the incident by competent authorities within the security forces to book the perpetrators.

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