Total shutdown over Langchingmanbi killing called off
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, June 21 2025: Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has prematurely called off the total shutdown imposed across Kangpokpi district following an understanding reached between the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) and the authority concerned over the brutal killing of Hoikholhing Haokip, wife of the Langchingmanbi village chief.

The shutdown came into effect from 1 pm of June 20 and it was slated to last until 6 pm of June 21.CoTU enforced the bandh in a show of solidarity with the ITLF and Churachandpur-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), who Were protesting the cold-blooded murder.

However, after a mutual understanding reportedly forged between ITLF leaders and government representatives, CoTU announced early withdrawal of the protest shutdown as the ITLF had also withdrawn total shutdown in Churachandpur.

With the announcement, normalcy returned across Sadar Hills.

Vehicular movement swiftly resumed along National Highway-2, which had remained largely deserted during the shutdown.

Shops and other business establishments gradually reopened, restoring routine life in Kangpokpi town and surrounding areas.

An agreement was reportedly executed Saturday at Kuki Inpi Churachandpur (KIC) complex in presence of DC Churachandpur, representing the state authority, and leaders of the ITLF, acting on behalf of the victim's family.

According to the agreement, the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) Battalion deployed under the 57 Mountain Division has formally admitted to guilt and acknowledged responsibility for the act that led to the death of Hoikholhing Haokip.

The army unit also agreed to settle the matter in accordance with local customary law and to perform rites and rituals locally known as Hemkham, mandated under the customary law.

Accordingly, the unit produced several Hemkham materials and a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and upon receiving the full Hemkham materials and compensation/ex-gratia, the victim's family formally compounded the matter with the JAKLI as per customary norms.

With the agreement signed and compensation delivered, the total shutdown enforced across Churachandpur district by tribal civil society organisations has been officially lifted.

Sources informed that during the meeting, discussions were held regarding the maintenance of buffer zones, and it was agreed that security forces shall not harass or arrest Kuki-Zo village volunteers unless hostilities ceased with the Meetei community.

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