CoTU warns of indefinite total shutdown in Kangpokpi
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, October 02 2023: Apart from calling a 15-hour total shutdown from 6 am to 9 pm of October 3 as a mark of commemorating the fifth-month Manipur violence, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills imposed a total shutdown along the National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) with effect from 4 pm of October 2 in connection with alleged abduction of a Kuki-Zo individual by armed miscreants from New Keithelmanbi area on September 30 .

According to CoTU Media Cell Coordinator, Ng Lun Kipgen, on September 30, one Satthang Kipgen (52), son of Kamlun Kipgen of Bijang village, New Keithelmanbi area, Kangpokpi district was abducted by armed miscreants.

He said that the total shutdown has already been imposed along National Highway-37 in connection with the abduction of Satthang Kipgen and it will continue till the concerned authority expedites the release of the abducted man.

CoTU has also served a 48-hour ultimatum to the Union Home Ministry for the release of Kuki-Zo individuals including two minors arrested by the CBI and NIA while cautioning that in case the Union Home Ministry failed to intervene and the arrested individuals are not released during the stipulated time, an indefinite total shutdown will be imposed in the entire Kangpokpi district from October 5 .

Ng Lun Kipgen further said that the arrest of one Seimunlun Gangte by the NIA on the pretext of transnational conspiracy is unacceptable as it has an ulterior motive to veer the arrest of one Moirangthem Anand, a former PLA cadre who had been arrested several times.

He also said that in case of non-intervention by the Union Home Ministry after the lapses of the ultimatum, there will be an indefinite total shutdown in the entire Kangpokpi district with immediate effect from October 5 .

Meanwhile, the arrest of four individuals and detention of two minors by the CBI on Sunday evoked strong condemnation from various Kuki-Zo tribal bodies.

The Kuki-Zo tribal womenfolk protested against the arrest and blocked all roads leading to different places while a sit-in protest was also held in front of the Mini-Secretariat and Superintendent of Police office in Churachandpur district hours after the arrest.

The CBI stated that it had registered two cases at the request of the Manipur Government on August 23 and had taken over the investigation of these cases earlier registered by the State police on the complaints of parents of minor victims vide FIR No.584(7) 2023 dated 08.07.2023 at Police Station Imphal and FIR No.1009(7)2023 dated 19.07.2023 at Police Station, Lamphel.

During the investigation of these cases, four persons have been arrested and they will be produced before the competent Court at Guwahati as per the orders of the Supreme Court, the CBI stated.

It also stated that two minor children, who accompanied the said arrested accused during transit from Imphal to Guwahati have been handed over to the District Children Protection Officer, Kamrup Metro District for their welfare, protection, and care.

The Joint Student Body (JSB) of Lamka called a "12-hour total shutdown" in the entire district of Lamka (Churachandpur) in protest against the arrest, on October 2 .

Strongly condemning the alleged inhumane act of transporting even children along with the other arrestees, the JSB also warned that any person with arms and moving around in plain clothes would be stopped and action would be taken against them in the future, and announced to the general public that if they see any such people moving around in plain clothes and behaving in suspicious manner, they should take action against them as they deem fit.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) also declared an indefinite shutdown from 10 am on October 2 and warned the central agencies � NIA and CBI to release the alleged abductees within 48 hours, failing which a more intense agitation will follow in all hill districts of Manipur.

It also declared that all boundary areas with the Meitei will be sealed from October 2 and no one will be allowed to leave or enter the buffer zones while all Government offices will be closed from October 2 .

Vehemently condemning the CBI's arrests, the Kuki Students' Organization general headquarters stated that the abduction of innocent civilians, particularly minors, is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of justice and humanity.

The KSO Ghqs clarified that Boisawm Haokip and Paominlun Haokip are neither KNF Zogam cadre nor have any involvement in the cases rather they are the president and the general secretary of KSO Leimata Block respectively.

The student body then called upon the relevant authorities, including the CBI to ensure the safe return of the arrestees, especially the minors, to their families, providing them with the care and support they require; uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and child protection, and work to prevent such incidents in the future.

KSO Ghqs also expressed strong condemnation of a recent Facebook post by Chief Minister Biren Singh, stating that the Chief Minister publicly supports the arrest of individuals without any proof or evidence.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur also expressed deep resentment against the CBI's arrests. KIM Information and Publicity Secretary, Janghaolun Haokip demanded immediate release of the arrestees.

He also drew attention of all concerned that the KIM; all its federating units and the Kuki-Zo people as a whole will not be responsible for any untoward incident progressing out of the alleged constant suppression of 'our community' by the State Government.

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