The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, has called a 48-hour total shutdown across Kangpokpi district from 5 pm on October 29 to 5 pm on October 31, demanding the immediate, safe and unconditional release of two Kuki youths allegedly kidnapped by Naga militants.
In a press notice issued today, CoTU identified the two youths as Thangginlun Chongloi, 21, son of Paominal Chongloi, and Paoginlal Hangs ing, 20, son of Haolet Hangs ing, both residents of Taphou Kuki village.
According to the organisation, the incident occurred on October 28 between Hengbung and Taphou Kuki village.
During the shutdown, shops, markets, vehicles, educational institutions and government offices will remain closed, while medical services, media and security forces have been exempted.
CoTU has urged the government to act on a war footing to secure the safe release of the two youths. It also accused the state government and security agencies of failing to respond adequately to security incidents involving Kuki-Zo people, alleging that cases involving other communities receive more prompt rescue operations, combing exercises and high-level attention.
Describing the alleged disparity in the security response as unacceptable, the organisation claimed that such an approach had emboldened anti-social elements and raised serious questions about the handling of security-related incidents in the district.
CoTU warned that it would intensify its agitation if the two youths were not released safely and unharmed. It also held the government and those responsible for the alleged kidnapping accountable for any consequences arising from the situation.