Kangpokpi Shutdown: CoTU’s Call for Action
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) enforced a 48-hour total shutdown in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district for the second consecutive day, severely disrupting daily life. The shutdown serves as a protest against the recent ambush that claimed the lives of two Kuki-Zo individuals, including a 6th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel, on November 20.
Kangpokpi Shutdown: Demands for Central Government Intervention
The CoTU is vociferously demanding the intervention of the Central Government in the matter and insists that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The intensity of the protests reflects the community’s outrage over the tragic incident and a call for justice through a thorough and impartial investigation.
Shutdown supporters and CoTU volunteers actively enforced the shutdown along National Highway 2 (NH-2), a crucial artery between Imphal and Dimapur. Their actions included burning tires on the road and strategically blocking NH-2 at various locations within the Kangpokpi district, extending up to Gamgiphai.
Kangpokpi Shutdown: Impact on Daily Life
The shutdown had a profound impact on daily life, compelling the closure of all shops, business establishments, and educational institutions. The visible absence of routine activities underlines the community’s solidarity in expressing their discontent and seeking justice for the victims. Emergency services, encompassing media, medical facilities, water supply, and CoTU volunteers, were exempted from the shutdown to ensure essential services continued uninterrupted.
Peaceful Shutdown and Future Developments
While the shutdown led to the disruption of routine affairs, it remained peaceful, with no reported untoward incidents. The CoTU’s call for a 48-hour shutdown is set to conclude at 6:00 PM on November 22, 2023. The unfolding events underscore the community’s determination to garner attention and action regarding the tragic ambush, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive investigation to address the concerns and grievances of the affected population.