KIM extends total shutdown by 48 hrs
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 17 2026: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has extended the total shutdown, which was scheduled to culminate at midnight tonight, by another 48 hours, pressing the Government for the safe release of the remaining Kuki-Zo hostages held captive in Senapati amid a massive protest held today at Kangpokpi district headquarters.

In a plea for peace, KIM urged the safe release of the remaining captives, stating that "Enough blood has been shed" .

Thousands of Kuki-Zo men, women, elders, and youths flooded the streets of Kangpokpi.

The Kuki-Zo people were protesting the detention of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians in Senapati while demanding justice for the brutal killing of three Thadou Church leaders on May 13 last.

KIM extends total shutdown by 48 hrs

From Nute Kailhang through the heart of Kangpokpi town to the gates of the SP Office, several protestors marched demanding the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all Kuki-Zo hostages along with the urgent implementation of the charter of demands submitted to the Government.

The mass mobilisation was organised under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and joined by major Kuki-Zo civil society organisations.

The protestors later converged at Brigadier M Thomas Ground, where KIM information secretary Janghaolun Haokip, declared that the democratic movement would continue until justice is delivered.

The shutdown, meanwhile, brought normal life in Kangpokpi to a complete standstill today.

All business establishments remained shuttered, highways wore a deserted look, and public activity came to a near-total halt as KIM's extended 48-hour total shutdown entered its second day.

Kuki-Zo civil society organisations under the aegis of KIM later held a closed-door meeting at the office of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and resolved to extend the total shutdown by another 48 hours, citing the failure to secure the release of the 14 hostages.

Addressing the media, Haokip said the continued captivity of several individuals remains a grave violation of Constitutional and humanitarian principles.

Acknowledging the Government's initiative in facilitating the release of several detainees from both the Kuki-Zo and Naga sides, he warned that the emotional suffering inflicted upon hostage families has reached unbearable levels.

Describing the partial release as an encouraging step, he appealed to the authorities to intensify all efforts and take every necessary measure to ensure the safe and immediate release of those still held captive.

He further stated that failure to decisively intervene and secure the release of the hostages risks emboldening lawlessness and dangerously destabilising the already fragile situation in the region.

"Enough blood has been shed, and it must stop now," he asserted in a direct appeal for peace, restraint, and collective wisdom.

Calling for urgent de-escalation, Haokip appealed to all stakeholders including community leaders, civil society organisations, and Government authorities to act with "utmost restraint and responsibility" and initiate immediate, concrete steps toward meaningful dialogue.