Kuki-Zo groups temporarily lift shutdown in Manipur after assurances from govt

Guwahati: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, along with Joint Kuki-Zo Civil Society Organisations, has temporarily lifted the shutdown in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas of Manipur. The decision follows assurances and ‘positive outcomes’ from the state govt over the past two days.

The shutdown had been ongoing for the last two weeks since the killing of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders in an ambush by armed militants earlier this month.

“Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Joint Kuki-Zo Civil Society Organisations, including all Tribe Inpis and student bodies, after consecutive rounds of discussions and consultations held with the govt on 29th and 30th May 2026, acknowledge the positive outcomes and assurances that emerged during the meetings concerning the prevailing situation affecting the Kuki-Zo people,” KIM stated in a media release on Saturday night.

As a gesture of goodwill, cooperation, and commitment to maintaining law and order, KIM announced the temporary suspension of the shutdown across Kuki-Zo-inhabited districts with immediate effect.

KIM said the decision has been taken in good faith and in the larger public interest to facilitate administrative processes and enable the govt to act responsibly in delivering justice and addressing the legitimate concerns of the Kuki-Zos.

“The lifting of the shutdown should not, under any circumstances, be misconstrued as a weakening of our position, compromise of our rights, or dilution of our demands. It is, rather, a responsible step taken with maturity and sincerity in expectation of corresponding action from the govt,” KIM stated.

KIM said the Kuki-Zo people have exercised “immense restraint, patience, and cooperation” despite continued suffering and injustices. “The community remains hopeful and positive that the govt will reciprocate this gesture with tangible action, sincerity, and accountability. Mutual trust can only be sustained through mutual commitment,” it said.

KIM, however, made it clear that any failure, delay, negligence, or lack of visible action on the part of the govt during this period of temporary relaxation will compel the Kuki-Zo people to intensify the shutdown and democratic agitations further.

Meanwhile, the demand for release of the abducted Naga and Kuki civilians continues to keep the hills of Manipur tense. The Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi and NCR raised concerns over the continued “illegal detention” of 14 Kuki-Zo individuals allegedly by Manipur Naga groups in Senapati district.

“The abduction and prolonged confinement of innocent civilians represent a blatant violation of human rights and a disturbing failure of law and order.... We demand the safe, immediate, and unconditional release of all 14 hostages and urge the Govt of India and central security agencies to intervene decisively,” it said.

It also demanded criminal proceedings against those responsible and firm measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.