Coffin protest held in Kangpokpi, Kuki-Zo groups demand justice and security measures
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, June 11 2026: Hundreds of Kuki-Zo mourners and protesters staged a coffin protest along National Highway-2 in Kangpokpi town on Thursday, demanding justice, accountability and enhanced security measures following the killing of a villager at Lasan village in neighbouring Tamenglong district on June 9.The protest was organised under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) in collaboration with various Kuki civil society organisations amid a district-wide shutdown.

The coffin of Haogin Lhouvum, who was killed in the incident, was placed along the highway during a sit-in protest and condolence programme.

The victim's body was brought from the district hospital morgue amid cries for justice, with protesters alleging that authorities had failed to protect vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages despite repeated warnings and escalating violence in the region.

The protest coincided with a complete shutdown imposed by Kuki CSOs across Kangpokpi district from midnight on June 10 .

All educational institutions, commercial establishments, and vehicular movement remained suspended, except for emergency services and security personnel.

The Kuki organisations strongly condemned what they described as the government's "grave failure" to ensure the safety and security of Kuki-Zo civilians, alleging that official inaction has contributed to a growing cycle of attacks on their community.

The Kuki CSOs placed four key demands before the government, immediate deployment of security forces at Lasan and Thenjang villages; deployment of security personnel in all identified vulnerable Kuki-Zo areas; a time-bound judicial inquiry into the killings of 13 Kuki-Zo civilians, including three pastors; and the immediate arrest of the Makui village chief, village authority members, and village guards in connection with the incidents.

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