Thousands of people from the Kuki-Zo community on May 16 participated in a large protest rally at Motbung in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district as the 48-hour shutdown called by Kuki Inpi Manipur entered its first day.

The protest, organised under the banner of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), was held to demand the release of Kuki-Zo civilians allegedly being held hostage following recent incidents of violence in the state, besides seeking justice for the three church leaders killed in Kangpokpi district earlier this week.

Protesters marched from Motbung Bazaar to Charhajare carrying placards and raising slogans demanding security for civilians and action against those responsible for the killings and attacks.

Several Kuki-Zo civil society leaders, including KIM president Ch. Ajang Khongsai, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills president Thangminlen Kipgen and CoTU chairman Lunthang Haokip, addressed the gathering and appealed for immediate intervention by the authorities.

The protestors also urged the Centre to initiate a high-level probe into the recent ambush incidents and ensure protection for vulnerable villages in the hill districts.

Speaking to the media, KIM Information Secretary Janghaolun Haokip said the demonstrations across Kangpokpi and other Kuki-Zo inhabited areas were aimed at drawing attention to the concerns of families affected by the recent violence.

He said the community was seeking the safe release of all civilians reportedly detained in the aftermath of the clashes and called for restoration of peace and security in the region.

The protest comes amid heightened tensions in Manipur following the killing of three church leaders and other recent incidents of violence in Kangpokpi and Noney districts.

Organisers said further democratic protests may continue if their demands are not addressed.