UKHRUL/KANGPOKPI: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki civil body in Sadar Hills, has temporarily suspended its ongoing total shutdown for seven days, giving the Manipur government a final window to address its outstanding demands, while warning of intensified agitation if the assurances given by the government are not honoured.
In a statement issued on Friday, CoTU said the decision followed the partial fulfilment of certain demands and the government’s expressed commitment to address the remaining demands submitted by the committee.
ALSO READ Ukhrul, Kamjong: TNL Appeals to PM for Political Restructuring, End to Militarisation of Naga Areas
The temporary suspension, however, does not signify a withdrawal from its position or a dilution of its demands. CoTU maintained that the shutdown would be reinstated with renewed intensity if the government failed to fulfil the outstanding demands within the stipulated seven-day period.
The shutdown was launched following the abduction of two Kuki youths from Taphou Kuki village on October 28 and the subsequent recovery of their bodies on November 1, triggering widespread outrage and an indefinite shutdown across Kangpokpi district.
RELATED Two Missing Kuki Youths Found Dead
Despite the temporary suspension, the committee has decided to continue its agitation through democratic sit-in protests at various locations across the district during the seven-day period.
CoTU has resolved not to claim the mortal remains of the two slain youths, currently kept at the morgue, until its Charter of Demands is fulfilled.
The Kuki body reiterated that the seven-day suspension was conditional and intended to provide the government an opportunity to demonstrate its sincerity through concrete action rather than assurances.
It warned that failure to honour the commitments and address the outstanding demands within the stipulated period would lead to the resumption of the total shutdown, alongside intensified public agitation.
ALSO READ Kamjong People’s Rally Demands AR Removal, End to Proxy War and Political Crisis
