Kuki-Zo civil society organisations enforced an emergency shutdown across Kangpokpi district on Sunday, alleging that recent security operations have disproportionately targeted Kuki-Zo villages and local defence volunteers. Markets, schools and businesses remained closed as protests drew widespread participation.
BY PC Bureau
June 21, 2026: Kuki-Zo residents across Kangpokpi district observed widespread protests on Sunday following an emergency shutdown called by prominent Kuki civil society organisations. The protest targeted what community leaders described as “selective and one-sided” security operations being conducted in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
The shutdown witnessed significant participation across Kuki-majority regions, including Kangpokpi town, Saparmeina, Gamgiphai and several surrounding villages. Markets, shops, educational institutions and commercial establishments remained closed throughout the day, while normally busy roads appeared deserted.
Volunteers deployed at key locations strictly regulated vehicular movement along National Highway-2 (NH-2), resulting in near-total adherence to the bandh.
The protest comes amid mounting resentment within the Kuki-Zo community over recent security operations in Manipur’s hill districts. Community organisations allege that central security forces have disproportionately targeted Kuki-Zo villages and local village defence volunteers.
Addressing the media in Kangpokpi, Janghaolun Haokip, spokesperson of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Kangpokpi, stated that the emergency shutdown was jointly decided by all major Kuki civil society bodies in the district.
Haokip alleged that despite repeated representations to authorities, security forces continue to focus their operations primarily on Kuki-Zo areas and local volunteers. He noted that the Kuki Inpi had previously informed the government that village volunteers were compelled to protect their communities due to inadequate security arrangements in vulnerable areas.
“As long as our people remain under threat, our village volunteers will continue to safeguard our land and communities. Any action directed against them will be strongly opposed,” Haokip said.
Read: Kuki Body Raises Concerns Over ‘Military-Style Lockdown’
He also appealed to the public to avoid travelling on affected highways during the shutdown period to prevent any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced an indefinite blockade of National Highway-2 and National Highway-37 beginning at 4 pm on Sunday. The organisation accused security forces of carrying out “partial and discriminatory” operations, particularly in the Leimakhong-Kangchup region, while failing to ensure equal protection for Kuki-Zo civilians.
According to CoTU, such actions have reinforced perceptions of bias, especially amid ongoing tensions between Kuki-Zo and Kacha Naga communities. The organisation warned that any appearance of discrimination could further erode public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
CoTU also condemned the recent killings of three Christian pastors and twelve Kuki villagers, describing the incidents as deeply disturbing. The group cited reports of attacks on villages, destruction of homes and displacement of civilians, and demanded a transparent, time-bound investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Describing the security situation as rapidly deteriorating, CoTU urged the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene immediately and ensure that all security operations are conducted impartially and professionally.
The organisation further called for enhanced protection of vulnerable villages, an independent inquiry into the recent killings, urgent measures to prevent further violence and displacement, and accountability for any lapses or alleged bias by security personnel.
CoTU clarified that essential services, ambulances, medical emergencies and humanitarian relief operations would remain exempt from the shutdown.
The protests come amid heightened tensions, increasing concerns over civilian safety and fragile inter-community relations in several hill districts of Manipur.
