Normal life remained severely disrupted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, 5 November 2026, as the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) extended its shutdown to protest what it called the state government's inaction over the killing of two Kuki-Zo community youths. The continuing closure has paralysed markets, schools, and road transport across the mountainous district.

Ground Situation

According to a local police officer, shops, markets, business establishments, and educational institutions remained shut, with most vehicles staying off the roads. Several goods-laden trucks headed for the state capital via National Highway-2 (NH-2) were stranded in the neighbouring Senapati district, predominantly inhabited by the Naga community, unable to enter Kangpokpi. Additional security forces were deployed across the district to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order.

Why the Shutdown Was Extended

CoTU had initially called a 24-hour shutdown from 1 November after the bodies of two missing Kuki youths were recovered that day following extensive search operations. The body of Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, 20 — who had gone missing on 28 October — were recovered by joint teams comprising the Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and the Assam Rifles. The two were allegedly abducted by unidentified miscreants.

The organisation extended the shutdown by 48 hours on Monday evening, and again when that period expired on Wednesday, citing what it described as the government's 'continued failure to take decisive and concrete action towards ensuring justice for the brutal killing of the two Kuki-Zo civilians and the fulfilment of the demands submitted in this regard.'

CoTU's Warning to the Government

In a strongly worded statement, CoTU cautioned that any further inaction would compel the Kuki-Zo people to 'intensify their democratic protest and pursue stronger collective measures.' The organisation made clear that it would not accept 'empty assurances and administrative excuses in place of justice' and demanded time-bound action against those responsible. It added that 'should the situation deteriorate further as a consequence of the government's continued inaction, the sole responsibility shall rest with the government.'

Broader Context: Naga-Kuki Violence in Manipur

The killings and the subsequent unrest are the latest flashpoint in a deepening cycle of ethnic conflict between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities. More than 50 people have reportedly been killed and dozens of houses torched in clashes since February this year, with violence concentrated in Ukhrul, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Noney, and parts of Senapati districts. The recovery of the two youths' bodies has further inflamed a situation where ethnic divisions and security challenges continue to strain the administration. Notably, this escalation comes even as the state government has faced sustained criticism over its handling of communal tensions that have simmered since early 2026.

How the Manipur government responds to CoTU's demands in the coming hours will likely determine whether the shutdown is lifted or intensifies into broader unrest.