Mugdha Das

Manipur: No breakthrough in Kuki-ZO council-DC Talks

Digital Desk: Late-night negotiations between Kuki-Zo leaders and the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi have broken down, escalating tensions over the death of protester Lalgouthang Singsit during the Free Movement Initiative on March 8.

The talks, led by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), failed to yield a resolution as the leaders stood firm on two key demands: Immediate Revocation of the Union Home Minister's Directive, and Judicial Inquiry and Transfer of Kangpokpi's Superintendent of Police.

The authorities' refusal to meet these demands has led the Kuki-Zo leadership to reaffirm its decision to continue the indefinite shutdown across all Kuki-Zo-dominated regions, further intensifying the crisis.

A fake press release claiming that the shutdown had been lifted began circulating on social media, bearing the KZC letterhead. The Kuki-Zo Council was forced to issue a clarification, urging the public to rely only on official statements.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Lalgouthang Singsit remain unclaimed at the Kangpokpi District Hospital morgue. Kuki-Zo women have been gathering at the hospital, mourning his death and standing in solidarity with his bereaved family.

CoTU spokesperson Lun Kipgen reiterated the committee's 'Charter of Demands', warning that failure to act would result in heightened agitation.

Paolenthang, another victim of the March 8 violence, has been transferred to a higher medical facility in Nagaland in critical condition.

With no resolution in sight, the Kuki-Zo leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to resistance, declaring that the shutdown will persist until justice is served.