Shutdown cripples normal life in CCpur, Kpi
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal/Kpi, June 20 2025: Normal life was affected in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts on Friday as activists of a tribal organisation enforced an indefinite shutdown in protest against the killing of an elderly Kuki woman.

Markets and business establishments remained closed, while vehicular movement was disrupted as Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum activists, including women, blocked several roads in Churachandpur district.

The protesters with sticks in their hands demonstrated on the roads to protest against the killing of Hoikholhing Haokip in a crossfire between security forces and unknown armed miscreants.

Attendance at government offices was poor even as educational establishments remained closed for the day.

ITLF had announced the shutdown after Haokip was killed in the crossfire between security forces and armed men on Thursday evening.

The incident occurred after security forces had gone to conduct operations in the Langchingmanbi and Heichanglok areas.

Noticing the security personnel, the armed miscreants fired at them, and thus a gunfight broke out.

The ITLF called for concrete measures from the central government to ensure the safety of tribal people and their land.

It demanded an independent investigation into repeated violations of the buffer zones in the conflict-hit areas.

A 24-hour shutdown was also observed in Kangpokpi district from 1 pm Friday.

The decision to impose the shutdown was endorsed by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and the joint CSOs of Churachandpur.

During the shutdown, all businesses, schools and offices remained closed and vehicular movement along NH-2 restricted, allowing only emergency vehicles.

CoTU volunteers enforced the shutdown at Kangpokpi district headquarters and Gamgiphai, displaying protest banners and blocking main routes.

CoTU demanded immediate action against the perpetrators, government assurances to protect tribal lives and land, and a full independent probe into ongoing Buffer Zone violations.

(With inputs from PTI) .

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