Kangpokpi, May 1, 2026: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has announced that “Separation Day” will be observed on May 3 across Kangpokpi district, along with a 12-hour total shutdown along National Highway 2.
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| Leaders and community members attend the Separation Day observance in 2025 at Churachandpur, organised by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), paying tribute to victims of the ongoing Manipur conflict. |
According to the committee, the observance is intended to remind the Government of India that the Kuki-Zo community stands “physically and demographically separated” from the Meitei community, highlighting deepening divisions amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
CoTU stated that the shutdown will be enforced from 6 am to 6 pm, during which business establishments, educational institutions, and government and private offices will remain closed. Movement along NH-2, a key transport route in the region, will also be severely restricted. However, medical emergencies and funeral processions will be exempted from the restrictions.
In addition to the shutdown, the committee announced a blanket halt on travel, farming, and routine activities by members of the Kuki-Zo community throughout the day as a mark of collective protest.
The main programme will be held at the Martyrs’ Cemetery at 12 noon, where leaders from tribal bodies, church organisations, student groups, women’s associations, and intellectuals are expected to gather to pay homage to those killed during the ethnic violence.
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Describing the day as both a political message and a solemn remembrance, CoTU said the observance would honour those who lost their lives in the conflict while reiterating calls for recognition of the community’s distinct identity and situation on the ground.
The announcement comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur, with the proposed shutdown expected to affect normal life and movement in parts of the hill districts. CoTU has appealed to the public to extend full cooperation and solidarity during the observance.
