DC-KZC talk fails, shutdown to continue
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, March 10 2025: Negotiations held between Kangpokpi deputy commissioner and Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and CoTU leaders over the killing of Lalgouthang Singsit at Keithelmanbi on March 8 ended without a breakthrough late Monday evening.

As per sources, leaders of KZC and Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) stood firm on their two key demands during the talk.

The demands are immediate cancellation of Union home minister's directive on Free Movement judicial enquiry and immediate transfer of Kangpokpi SP.

With no breakthrough achieved, the KZC announced continuation of its indefinite shutdown across all Kuki-Zo areas.

After a fake press statement in KZC letterhead went viral on social media even before the talks ended that the indefinite shutdown has been called off, KZC was compelled to issue a clarification and declare continuation of the shutdown.

Meanwhile, the body of Lalgouthang Singsit remains unclaimed at Kangpokpi district hospital morgue.

Since March 8, Kuki-Zo women have been gathering in rotation at the hospital campus and mourning in solidarity with the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, CoTU spokesperson Ng Lun Kipgen reiterated committee's charter of demands and emphasised that authorities must take immediate action or face intense agitation.

Meanwhile, Paolenthang, another victim of the March 8 incident, has been transferred in critical condition to a medical facility in Nagaland.

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