Kanggui: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District has announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Kangpokpi District with effect from 12:00 AM on October 5, 2026 to 12:00 AM on October 6, 2026, in mourning for the departed soul of late Mr. Hemkhojang Haokip.
The announcement was made through a Public Notice issued by the Department of Information & Publicity, CoTU on 4th October, 2026. The notice states that during the shutdown period, all government offices, educational institutions and commercial establishments will remain closed, with exemptions only for media and medical emergencies. The general public of Kangpokpi has been earnestly advised to strictly comply with the shutdown in mourning and solace for the departed soul.
According to villagers, the deceased, 71-year-old Hemjang Haokip alias Hemkhojang Haokip, a Kuki farmer from Khunkho village under Leimakhong, had gone to work in his paddy field and went missing. His body was later recovered from the fields with his limbs bound. The recovery site witnessed a large gathering of villagers and security personnel.
Villagers have blamed India-sponsored NSCN-IM terrorists for the brutal killing and have also alleged the involvement of ZUF-K militants in the area. Locals claimed that Kuki-Zo farmers cultivating in the peripheral foothills have been repeatedly threatened by NSCN-IM and ZUF-K cadres operating from nearby areas. They alleged that the killing of an unarmed 71-year-old farmer shows the level of insecurity faced by farmers despite security presence.
CoTU said the total shutdown is to pay homage to the late farmer and to express collective grief and solidarity with the bereaved family. The committee strongly condemned the killing and said such acts against innocent civilians must be stopped. It also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and adequate security for farmers working in vulnerable zones.
Security forces have tightened vigil in Leimakhong, Khunkho and adjoining areas following the incident. Police said investigation is underway. Meanwhile, market bodies, schools and transport associations in Kangpokpi have been urged to cooperate with the shutdown call for peaceful observance.
