Normal life affected in Manipur's Kangpokpi district during 48-hour shutdown
A tribal organisation observed the shutdown to protest the death of a 42-year-old Kuki woman during a gunfight.
Normal life was partially affected in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Friday as the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) observed a 48-hour shutdown. According to reports by Hindustan Times, The Hindu and Deccan Herald, the protest follows the death of a 42-year-old Kuki woman during a gunfight between rival groups near Taphou Kuki village on Thursday morning.
The shutdown, which began at midnight on November 12, resulted in the closure of markets and business establishments. Buses and autorickshaws remained off the roads, causing inconvenience to commuters. Travel was also restricted along the National Highway-2, with goods trucks, fuel tankers, and commuters being blocked at Kanglatongbi in Imphal West and at Senapati district.
COTU executive member Lamminlun Singsit announced that educational institutions, medical services, and emergency services are exempted from the shutdown. Singsit alleged that the security arrangements under the Senapati district superintendent of police failed to ensure the safety of people.
The organisation has demanded the immediate withdrawal of security forces operating under the Senapati superintendent of police from Kangpokpi district. A senior police officer stated that necessary security measures are being taken to prevent further escalation of violence.
In a separate incident on Friday, a Naga farmer sustained bullet injuries to his right arm during an armed attack by unknown people at Sinakeithei village in Ukhrul district.