Kuki body lifts shutdown, opposes ‘Free Movement’

Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), on Thursday, announced the lifting of the indefinite shutdown, effective from 7:30 pm.

“The decision to end the shutdown came after careful deliberation. However, it is imperative to make it clear that while the shutdown has been lifted, the Free Movement, as announced by the Home Ministry, shall be vehemently opposed by the Kuki-Zo people, as it undermines and dilutes the justice process,” a KZC statement said.

It warned that any move toward unrestricted free movement would be vigorously opposed.

The Naga People’s Organization (NPO), a Naga body based in Senapati district, had strongly condemned the ongoing Kuki-Zo indefinite total shutdown. It had warned the government to lift the shutdown within 24 hours or face consequences.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NPO said, “The shutdown has caused immense hardship to the general public, affecting their daily lives, livelihoods, and access to essential services. We urge the government to take immediate action to restore normalcy, or the Naga people will take their own course of action.”

It demanded immediate steps to lift the total shutdown and restore essential services, warning that failure to comply would lead to further action, including legal recourse.

Union Home minister Amit Shah during a high-level review meeting on security of Manipur held on March 1 at the national capital directed for ‘free movement’ in all roads in Manipur from March 8. Defying Shah’s directive, Kuki body spearheaded by KZC imposed indefinite total shutdown in Kuki dominated areas.