CoTU shutdown ends, democratic stir to follow
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, July 19 2023: The 72-hour total shutdown imposed by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills from midnight of July 16 ended on Wednesday amid continuous firing incidents in the peripheral area of Phaileng village in Kangpokpi district.

Sporadic firing since Tuesday 5.20 pm continued the whole day on Wednesday though there is no information on any casualties on either side.

Sounds of firing and explosions were heard in Phaileng area.

The third day of CoTU's shutdown also witnessed closure of all business establishments, educational insti tutions, government offices, banks, etc., while all kinds of vehicles were also off the road except vehicles relate ed to medical emergencies and examinations.

Volunteers, mainly the womenfolk were also seen braving the scorching heat monitoring the vehicular movement along the highway, where security forces are deployed.

According to CoTU general secretary Lamminhun Singsit, the shutdown was not only a demonstration of our anger and disappointment at the torching, and continuous attacks and killing of Kuki-Zo villages and people but more importantly, it is aimed to give a strong message to stop the violence on the part of the other community.

However, the violence against Kuki-Zo villages continued even during the total shutdown.

Violence happens in the state only when they attack Kuki-Zo.

Once the other party ceases their attack, violence would automatically stop, he asserted.

He then informed that a democratic agitation in the form of sit-in-protests will follow from Thursday onwards at Champhai Sub-Division, Kangpokpi district and held at various locations in the district for almost a week.

Lamminlun also said that the vehicular movement of essential commodities will be open only from 6am to 12pm noon on daily basis, including business establishments in the district.

Private vehicles of all purposes will be open from 6am till 6pm only.

Schools, both government and private, will remain closed till further notice.

This includes students from Kangpokpi studying in other districts.

The general secretary then urged the Central Government to expedite the Kuki-Zo political talks with UPF and KNO and bring immediate solutions in the form of separate administration for Kuki-Zo people.

Comment