Imphal, May 18 (IANS) The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), one of the apex organisations of the Kuki community in Manipur, on Sunday extended its total shutdown in the hill areas for another 48 hours in protest against the alleged failure of the government to rescue the detained villagers and fulfil its demands.
Normal life continued to remain badly affected across all Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, especially in Kangpokpi district, after the KIM had called a three-day total shutdown from midnight of May 13 following the killing of three Baptist Church leaders in Kangpokpi district.
A police official said that more than 38 people belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities had been held hostage by various groups in Kuki-Zo inhabited Kangpokpi district and Naga-dominated Senapati district since the incidents that occurred on May 13.
However, 30 people belonging to both communities were released on May 14 and 15 following sustained efforts by the authorities, community leaders and various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the official said.
KIM Information and Publicity Secretary Janghaolun Haokip said that in view of the continued inaction of the government and the absence of any positive development regarding the charter of demands submitted by the KIM to the Union government on May 14, the organisation has decided to extend the ongoing shutdown.
He said the decision was also prompted by the failure to rescue the Kuki villagers who were allegedly taken hostage in Senapati district. “After thorough deliberation, the Kuki Inpi Manipur has resolved to extend the ongoing 48-hour shutdown for another 48 hours,” Haokip said in a statement. According to him, the extended shutdown would come into effect from midnight on Sunday.
The KIM also expressed appreciation to its federating units, Civil Society Organisations, and members of the Kuki-Zo community for their cooperation, solidarity and support during the agitation. “The Kuki Inpi Manipur reiterates that the continued silence and inaction of the authorities in the face of such grave concerns is deeply unfortunate and unacceptable. The government must act with urgency and responsibility before the situation deteriorates further,” the statement added.
Various tribal organisations, including the KIM, have been regularly organising rallies and demonstrations across Kuki-Zo inhabited areas in the hill districts of Manipur to protest against the alleged illegal detention and hostage-taking of innocent Kuki civilians.
Meanwhile, a senior police official said that hectic discussions are underway among various Civil Society Organisations, Manipur government officials and security forces to ensure the safe release of those who are still being held hostage by groups belonging to different communities.
–IANS
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