KANGPOKPI: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoOTU), Sadar Hills, has called a 48-hour total shutdown across Kangpokpi district from 5 pm on October 29 to 5 pm on October 31, following the alleged abduction of two Kuki youths on October 28.
CoTU identified the youths as Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, son of Paominlal Chongloi, and Paoginlal Hangs ing, 20, son of Haolet Hangs ing, both from Taphou Kuki village. The civil body alleged that Naga militants abducted them between Hengbung and Taphou Kuki village.
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CoOTU demanded the immediate, safe and unconditional release of the two youths and urged the government to take urgent steps to secure their release.
During the shutdown, shops, markets, vehicles, schools and offices across Kangpokpi district will remain closed, while medical services, media and security forces have been exempted, according to the notice.
CoOTU then accused the state government and security forces of adopting a discriminatory approach to security incidents involving Kuki-Zo people. It alleged that incidents involving non-Kuki-Zo groups prompted swift rescue and combing operations, while cases involving Kuki-Zo people were met with delays or inaction.
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It also warned that it would intensify its agitation if the two youths were not released safely and unharmed. It also held the government and those responsible accountable for any consequences arising from the incident.
