UKHRUL: The Zomi frontal organizations have announced a total shutdown on April 22, 2026, from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM across Churachandpur District. This action is in response to the ongoing lack of justice in the case of the late Vungzagin Valte, BJP MLA for the 56-Thanlon Assembly Constituency. The shutdown is organized by the Zomi Chiefs’ Association, Zomi Youth Association, Zomi Students’ Federation, Central Village Defence Force, and Zomi Mothers’ Association.
In a joint press statement, the Zomi civil organizations emphasized that the shutdown is a peaceful expression of collective conscience and a firm assertion that justice delayed is not justice denied. They also expressed that the circumstances surrounding Valte’s prolonged suffering and demise remain unresolved.
The shutdown will affect all shops, commercial establishments, educational institutions, offices, public activities, services, pharmacies, and the water supply. Transportation in the district via Tipaimukh Road and Guite Road will also be halted. Approved ambulances will, however, be available at designated locations for urgent medical emergencies.
The shutdown must be observed with strict discipline; any deviations from this directive will be taken seriously. For medical emergencies, individuals may contact 7022159236 or 7628923728.
Additionally, the Zomi Coordination Committee (ZCC) plans to hold a candlelight vigil tonight at CMC Morgue, Lamka, in remembrance of the late MLA Vungzagin Valte and to demand justice. The vigil also seeks to expedite the UPF-KNO political demands for a political settlement.
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Meanwhile, various Zo organizations, including the Zo Organisation for Intelligence and Special Operations (ZOFISO), Zou is Zo, and Zogam, have issued an advisory to the Zou/Zo community regarding the escalating conflict between the Thadou-Kuki and Tangkhul-Naga groups in Ukhrul district.
Based on credible information, the organizations said, the conflict is likely to intensify in the coming days, potentially spreading beyond Ukhrul. They advise all Zou/Zo individuals, civil society organizations, church bodies, and other entities in Manipur to maintain clarity about their identity as ZOMI and to refrain from directly or indirectly involving themselves in this conflict.
The organizations further clarified that the Zou/Zo people are ZOMI and not KUKI, and thus should not be targeted under any circumstances. They warned that no Kuki underground organization should levy taxes, raise funds, or recruit volunteers from any Zou/Zo village.
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Additionally, the recent appointment of Chinlunthang Zou, MLA of Singngat A/C and Legal Adviser to the UZO (United Zou Organizations) General Headquarters, as President of the Kuki Peoples Alliance (KPA) should be viewed as an act undertaken in his individual capacity. There has been no official declaration from the UZO asserting that the Zou/Zo community is Kuki.
The organizations warned that if any incident occurs involving the Zou/Zo community in the Thadou-Kuki versus Tangkhul-Naga conflict following the issuance of this advisory, the leadership of UZO Headquarters and the Honorable MLA for Singngat A/C will be held solely responsible and shall face the consequences arising from the response of the Zou/Zo community.