Kuki man shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Manipur Kangpokpi district A 44-year-old Kuki civilian was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Manipur's Kangpokpi district while collecting bamboo shoots. In response to the killing, the Committee on Tribal Unity has announced a 24-hour total shutdown. A 44-year-old Kuki civilian lost his life on Tuesday after being shot by unidentified gunmen in Manipur's Kangpokpi district while collecting wild bamboo shoots. The victim, identified as Paolen Khongsai from P. Molding village, was targeted in a remote forested area, triggering widespread concern and protests across the region over ongoing security challenges. Details of the Attack and Police Response According to reports, Paolen Khongsai was traveling alongside another individual named Laldenga toward a forested zone situated between P. Molding and Molhoi villages when the two came under sudden gunfire at approximately 8 am. Khongsai sustained fatal gunshot wounds and died at the scene, whereas Laldenga managed to escape the ambush completely unharmed. The incident occurred in a wooded area located roughly 13 km away from the Leimakhong Police Station. Local law enforcement authorities have registered an official case regarding the homicide. Plans were made to transport Khongsai's body to Kangpokpi for a post-mortem examination as part of the ongoing legal and investigative procedures. Protest Shutdown and CoTU Demands In the wake of the killing, the Committee on Tribal Unity declared a 24-hour total shutdown across the Kangpokpi district starting Tuesday midnight. The protest was organized to express collective grief, demand accountability and justice, secure protection for the Kuki-Zo community, and urge authorities to take concrete actions to alleviate their prolonged hardships. Through a formal statement, the organization voiced deep concern over the indiscriminate arrest of Kuki-Zo individuals linked to the October 19 incident in the Nongshum-Sunurok area, where three Meitei civilians were killed. The group insisted that any alleged involvement of arrested persons must be firmly established through an impartial, fair investigation rather than arbitrary actions. Parallel Strikes Paralyze the Imphal Valley Concurrently, a separate 48-hour strike called by the Native People Committee Manipur protesting the killing of three Meitei civilians brought normal life to a standstill across five districts in the Imphal Valley on Tuesday. Educational institutions, retail shops, and commercial establishments remained shut down throughout numerous areas within Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. What this means for you The escalation of violence directly impacts regional safety, daily commuting, and commercial activities for residents across the affected districts in Manipur. • Across India: The recurring security crisis in the northeastern state has drawn heightened national attention and political concern regarding regional stability. • In Manipur: Residents in Kangpokpi and the five districts of the Imphal Valley face severe disruptions due to ongoing shutdowns and strikes. • For Local Commerce: Markets, educational institutions, and businesses remain shuttered, halting everyday economic transactions and public movement. • For Public Safety: Law enforcement agencies have intensified patrols and checks across vulnerable routes to maintain order following the latest attacks. Why this happened The recent killing stems from the deep-seated ethnic polarization and fragile security environment persisting across various parts of Manipur. • Direct Cause: The victims were ambushed and fired upon by unidentified gunmen while foraging for wild bamboo shoots in a remote forested area. • Underlying Tensions: The incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened communal friction and retaliatory killings involving different ethnic communities in the state. • Investigation Demands: Local tribal and valley organizations have raised strong objections over arbitrary arrests, demanding transparent and impartial inquiries into past homicides. • Protest Measures: Communities are utilizing total shutdowns and strikes as a primary method to voice grievances and pressure authorities for immediate protective intervention. Questions & Answers 1. Where did the incident take place? The incident took place in a forested area between P. Molding and Molhoi villages in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. 2. Who was the victim identified as? The deceased was identified as 44-year-old Paolen Khongsai, a resident of P. Molding village. 3. Who was accompanying the victim during the attack? He was accompanied by another man named Laldenga, who managed to escape the gunfire unharmed. 4. What action was taken by the Committee on Tribal Unity? The organization announced a 24-hour total shutdown in Kangpokpi district starting Tuesday midnight. 5. Which group called for a strike in the Imphal Valley? The Native People Committee Manipur called a 48-hour strike over the killing of three Meitei civilians. https://trendkia.com/en/manipur/manipur-ke-kangpokpi-me-agyat-hamlavaro-ne-ki-kuki-nagrik-ki-hatya-49849 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.