By NE NOW NEWS

Imphal: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) on Monday announced a 48-hour extension of the ongoing shutdown in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, following a joint meeting with district-level civil society organisations.

The extended shutdown will come into effect from midnight of May 19, immediately after the current phase ends, the organisation said.

KIM stated that the decision was taken in view of what it described as the absence of meaningful progress on issues and concerns earlier raised before the authorities.

The shutdown was first called after the killing of three church leaders on May 13 and amid allegations of abduction of Kuki-Zo civilians-incidents that triggered tension and protests across several hill districts.

According to the organisation, discussions during the meeting centred on the prevailing situation and the need for continued public solidarity. It also appealed to residents to maintain peace and extend cooperation during the shutdown period.

The bandh has already disrupted normal life in Kuki-Zo dominated areas, particularly in Kangpokpi district, where markets remained shut and vehicular movement was significantly curtailed in several locations.