Funeral in Sadar Hills draws huge crowd of mourners
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 25 2026: Thousands turned out for the funeral of so-called two Kuki "village volunteers" at Martyrs' Cemetery in Phaijang, Sadar Hills today.

They were allegedly killed in a pre-dawn gunfight with Tangkhul Naga Village Defence Guards yesterday at Mullam village.

The last rites were conducted under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity, with leaders of the Kuki Zo Council, Kuki Inpi Manipur and other civil society organisations draping traditional shawls over the bodies.

The journey to the final rites was marked by vigil and solidarity, with residents across Kangpokpi keeping watch through the night, offering prayers and support to the bereaved families.

After post-mortem at the district hospital, the bodies were brought to Phaijang, where the last rites were held.

The bodies of the two men were brought to the Martyrs' Cemetery from Kangpokpi district headquarters along the National Highway in a large procession of vehicles.

In a show of solidarity, a 10-hour shutdown called by CoTU brought normal life to a halt across Kangpokpi, with shops, schools and private establishments remaining closed, though vehicular movement was exempted.

Addressing the gathering, Kuki-Zo leaders extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Several leaders voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the hill districts, stating that repeated incidents of violence have left communities vulnerable and fearful.

They called for urgent and decisive measures to ensure the safety of civilians, stressing the need for accountability and stronger protection mechanisms.

The leaders also urged the community to remain united in the face of adversity.

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