CoTU Reopens Sealed DC Office in Kangpokpi After Breakthrough Agreement

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) this morning reopened the sealed office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi, following a breakthrough understanding with the concerned authorities regarding the deployment of security forces in the Bungpi region. The Deputy Commissioner’s office had been under siege for several days as part of CoTU’s escalating protests, which included an Indefinite Economic Blockade along National Highway NH-2 and a Total Shutdown of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi. These protests were driven by CoTU’s demands for the immediate withdrawal of security forces deployed from the valley and the deployment of central security forces from Kangpokpi to the Saibol region of Lhungtin Sub-Division. Following extensive discussions, an agreement was reached to deploy the CRPF to fringe areas dominated by the Kuki-Zo community, including the Bungpi region. This agreement led CoTU to officially withdraw all protest measures, including the blockade, shutdown, and picketing of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The reopening of the office marks a temporary cessation of hostilities and a step toward restoring normalcy in Kangpokpi District. However, CoTU declared that failure to meet the remaining conditions—particularly the withdrawal of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) units deployed from the valley—within the agreed 48-hour timeline would result in the resumption of more intense protests. As the 48-hour ultimatum expires tonight, the situation remains fragile, with tensions heightened over the authorities’ ability to fulfill the Committee’s demands on time.