The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) have jointly called for a 24-hour total shutdown in all Kuki-Zo dominated areas in Manipur from midnight of January 2 till midnight of January 3.
The total shutdown was called to protest against the alleged atrocities of the state forces and demand their removal from all Kuki-Zo districts in Manipur.
CoTU and ITLF stated that the incursion of state forces into Moreh and the surrounding tribal areas during the ethnic conflict involving the two communities is clearly an attempt by the Chief Minister to drive out tribals from their homes using state machinery, and will never be tolerated by the Kuki-Zo people.
It stated that the brutality of the commandos and their communal intent is well documented, and Kuki-Zo volunteers are faced with no option but to defend themselves.
It also stated that the people of Moreh had pleaded with the central government since May to replace state forces with neutral central security forces, and Home Minister Amit Shah said on May 31 that all forces would be removed within three days.
It also recalled that the Home Minister in his meeting with ITLF leaders had assured that he would ensure central forces work in conjunction with state forces.
While calling upon the Chief minister to refrain from disseminating false information and to uphold a stance that promotes unity among all communities, the Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills stated that fostering transparency and understanding is vital for the collective well-being of the region.
