Shutdown begins in Manipur district over two missing Kuki youths

The Committee for Tribal Unity (CoTU), an organization of Kuki-Zomi communities, has announced a 48-hour shutdown in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, condemning the alleged abduction of two Kuki youths and demanding their safe and unconditional release.

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The shutdown began on Thursday (29 October 2026) at 5pm and will continue until 5pm on 31 October.

According to the CoTU, the two youths went missing on Wednesday (October 28, 2026) around 5:30 pm while traveling between Hengbung and Taphou Kuki villages in the district.

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Non-Kuki extremists are suspected of involvement in the “kidnapping” of Thangginlun Chongloi and Paominlal Chongloi, both in their 20s.

“During this (closure) period, shops, markets, vehicles, educational institutions and government and private offices are expected to remain closed. Medical services, media personnel and security forces have been exempted from the shutdown,” the CoTU said, urging authorities to act quickly to ensure the safe release of the two youths.

The organization also criticized the alleged discriminatory treatment of the Kuki-Zomi community by the security forces and the state government.

“When non-Kuki-Zo groups face problems, the security forces and administration respond with quick rescue and combing operations and high-level attention. However, when Kuki-Zo people are abducted, attacked or killed, there is either silence, delay or inaction. This double standard and biased approach is unacceptable and has encouraged anti-social elements,” the CoTU said.

Published – 29 Oct 2026 22:09 IST