CHURACHANDPUR, Nov 11: Following the tragic deaths of 11 Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers at the hands of CRPF personnel in Jiribam, the Kuki-Zo Council has announced a total shutdown tomorrow, November 12, from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, to honor the victims and express collective grief. The victims were killed in a brutal attack, which has caused deep sorrow within the Kuki-Zo community.

In a press statement issued today, the Kuki-Zo Council condemned the violence in the strongest terms, demanding a thorough and immediate investigation to bring those responsible to justice. The statement emphasized that the loss of these volunteers is not only a personal tragedy for their families but also a significant loss to the entire Kuki-Zo community, which stands united in its call for peace, justice, and security.

The shutdown, scheduled for tomorrow, is being held in honor of the victims and to express collective grief and solidarity. During this period, essential services, including medical personnel, ambulances, media, electricity, and water supply, will be exempt from the shutdown. The Council also expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims, urging the community to unite in their grief and seek justice, rather than responding with anger.

Similarly, a joint 12-hour emergency shutdown has also been called by Ramn Gaium Songate, General Secretary of HAS Joint Headquarters, Tuithaphai; D.J. Haokip, General Secretary of KSO Churachandpur; and Samuel Taithul, General Secretary of ZSF General Headquarters, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on November 12. The leaders urged the public to cooperate and observe the shutdown in protest against what they described as a betrayal by the CRPF.

Exemptions to the shutdown will be made for essential services, including emergency healthcare, water, electricity, media operations, and pre-planned religious or matrimonial events. The Territorial Army Recruitment Rally will also proceed as scheduled.

Additionally, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has announced a 24-hour total shutdown in the Kangpokpi district, effective from midnight on November 11 until midnight on November 12.

The shutdown will impact all public and private activities in the region. Essential services, including medical facilities, may be exempt, but transportation and markets are expected to remain closed during the 24-hour period.