The Committee of Tribal Unity (COTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, has announced a total shutdown along National Highway-2 tomorrow, October 3, from 6 am to 6 pm. The organisation has declared the day as “Separation Day,” during which all business establishments and educational institutions in the area will remain closed.
In a statement, the Kangpokpi-based group said the observance of Separation Day was intended to remind the Government of India that the Kuki-Zo community now stands physically and demographically separated from the Meitei community.
COTU conveyed that it has been leading the political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo community since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, with the objective of seeking emancipation from what it described as a majoritarian-led state administration. The organisation also stated that the shutdown would be observed as a tribute to those it termed “fallen heroes,” who had fought to defend their land from what it alleged were encroachments by non-tribal communities.