The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes in Manipur, on Friday extended its ongoing 48-hour total shutdown by another 48 hours, alleging that 14 Kuki civilians continue to remain in illegal detention despite the release of 14 others earlier in the day.

In a press statement issued by its secretariat, KIM said the extended shutdown would take effect from midnight of May 15, citing serious concerns over the safety and lives of those still allegedly in captivity.

The organisation termed the alleged abduction and continued detention of civilians a violation of human rights, democratic values and the rule of law. It urged the government and concerned authorities to ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all the remaining hostages.

KIM warned that any delay in resolving the issue could further aggravate the already fragile security situation in the state.
As part of its intensified agitation, the organisation directed district-level civil society organisations and Kuki-Zo frontal bodies to strengthen democratic protests across the hill districts.

It announced that a sit-in protest would be held on Saturday under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) at Motbung in Kangpokpi district, while a mass rally would be organised in Churachandpur district. Similar demonstrations are also expected in other Kuki-Zo dominated areas.
KIM said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and hold the authorities accountable for the safety and release of those still missing.

The extension of the shutdown comes amid heightened tension in Manipur following the killing of three church leaders earlier this week and subsequent reports of civilians being taken hostage, triggering protests and renewed calls for justice and peace.