CoTU shutdown paralyses Kangpokpi, KWOHR, SAHILCA demand impartial probe
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, October 05 2026: The 24-hour total shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) over the brutal killing of 71-year-old Hemjang Haokip, who was abducted from his farm hut on October 3, began at midnight on Monday, bringing normal life across Kangpokpi district to a near standstill.

The shutdown followed the recovery of Haokip's body late Sunday afternoon after an extensive search by villagers and security forces.

His body was brought to the Kangpokpi District Headquarters late Sunday night before being taken to Churachandpur for preservation at a morgue.

Shops, business establishments, private institutions and schools remained closed, while the shutdown severely disrupted the functioning of Government offices and brought vehicular movement along National Highway-2 to a halt, except for exempted services.

At Bongmol village, shutdown volunteers, predominantly women, strictly enforced the bandh, stopping vehicles covered by the shutdown order and restricting even local vehicular movement.

Central security forces were deployed along the highway and seen monitoring the situation.

No untoward incident had been reported till the filing of this report.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) and the Sadar Hills Chiefs' Association (SAHILCA) have strongly condemned the killing and demanded an impartial, time-bound probe and justice for the slain civilian.

KWOHR urged the Manipur Government, District Administration and law enforcement agencies to launch an immediate, impartial and time-bound investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

It also called for urgent measures to protect civilians in remote areas and prevent further attacks on innocent people.

Meanwhile, SAHILCA demanded a thorough and impartial probe into the circumstances surrounding Haokip's alleged abduction and brutal killing, stressing that the community could not remain silent in the face of violence against defenseless civilians.

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