IMPHAL: Amidst a tense standoff in Manipur, Kuki groups have added further demands for the release of two Meitei hostages as part of the negotiations.
This comes in the wake of Kuki militants kidnapping three Meitei youths last Friday, with one hostage released shortly thereafter.
Kuki factions are demanding transfer of Kuki inmates from Saijwa Central Jail in Meitei-dominated Imphal to Churachandpur. They are also calling for the establishment of a police station in Island Valley, Kangpokpi.
The Manipur Police chief has been in constant touch with Kuki representatives since Monday, but no substantial progress has been made as of late Tuesday.
The growing resentment has sparked public protests which culminated in a complete shutdown that started early Tuesday morning in Thoubal district.
However, it is not confined to only one district of the state as it was extended statewide by the Joint Action Committee advocating for the release of the hostages.
Meanwhile, the shutdown has brought daily life to a standstill and have also caused inconvenience.
The shutdown has led to led to business establishments' ceasing their operations, with the suspension of transport services also in place.
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