KIM imposes 48 hours shutdown
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 13 2026: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has announced a 48-hour total shutdown across all Kuki-Zo inhabited areas from midnight of May 13 to midnight of May 15, following the brutal killing of three prominent Church leaders and injuries to five others between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district today.

Expressing "deepest grief and strongest condemnation" over the killing of Rev V Sitlhou, Rev Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen, KIM has also proclaimed a two-day Nationwide mourning across the Kuki-Zo populace in honour of the slain religious leaders, calling on civil society organisations, Churches, student bodies, women's groups and all concerned citizens to observe the shutdown with strict solidarity.

As part of the mourning programme, all Churches have been directed to hold candlelight vigils at 7 pm on May 13 in remembrance of the victims and to offer prayers for justice, peace and healing.

The shutdown will cover all business establishments, Government offices, private institutions, schools and vehicular movement in Kuki-Zo areas, while exempting emergency services such as medical care, airport operations, fire services and essential humanitarian activities.

The organisation also made a solemn appeal for unity and resilience, asserting that the bloodshed of innocent Church leaders would not be forgotten.

Meanwhile, Sadar Hills observed a total shutdown, called by Thadou civil bodies, bringing normal life to a standstill.

Shops and markets remained shut, while vehicular movement on National Highway-2 was paralysed.

Security forces were heavily deployed across sensitive zones amid fears of escalation.

In a dramatic escalation, Kuki CSO Working Committee-Ukhrul also imposed an immediate and indefinite shutdown along NH-202, condemning the killings as an unforgivable assault on faith and humanity.

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