CoTU calls 24-hr shutdown
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, April 14 2024:
Committee on tribal Unity (CoTU), has called a 24-hour total shutdown in whole Kangpokpi district to denounce the death of two Kuki-Zo volunteers in a gunfight that took place in Phailengmol village in Kangpokpi district on Saturday.
CoTU on Saturday observed that all the gun battles in the ongoing crisis occurred within the Kuki-Zo-dominated hills, alleging that the attacks were carried out by armed groups from the valley.
Denouncing the killing of two Kuki-Zo volunteers and alleged shooting of a labourer belonging to Kuki-Zo community at Gamgiphai by armed Meetei, CoTU imposed a 24-hour total shutdown in entire Kangpokpi district from midnight of April 13 as a mark of protest against the inhuman act of the Meetei and also alleging wilful disregard of the Model Code of Conduct of the Election Commission of India.
The Committee also alleged state election office's indifferent attitude towards movement of armed Meeteis in the valley districts stating that it is a disservice to the democratic set-up of the country.
The Kuki-Zo body stated that illegal quarry and pilferage of villages at L Songphel, Saichang, Bongjang, Kamu Saichang, and Bongbal Khullen is precursor to the incident at Phailengmol region.
"The insatiable appetite to wage war and aggression by the Meetei community against Kuki-Zo people is a clear indication to exert political dominance over the minority," stated CoTU.
Meanwhile, Phailengmol Defence Committee said that the tranquillity of Kamu Saichang, Bongjang and Monglham villages was shattered at 8:30 am Saturday as they were attacked from multiple fronts in a coordinated manner by the armed Meeteis.