Security forces recover bodies of two missing Kuki youths in Manipur
Protesters clashed with security forces in Kangpokpi district after the mutilated bodies of two youths were found in Senapati.
Security forces recovered the bodies of two missing Kuki-Zo youths in Manipur's Senapati district on Sunday, according to The Indian Express. The deceased, identified as Paoginlal Hangsing, 20, and Tinginlun Chongloi, 20 or 21, had gone missing from Taphou Kuki village on October 28 or 29.
The bodies were found stuffed in gunny bags in a banana plantation in a hilly stretch east of National Highway-2 along the Senapati Phaibung Road. A joint search operation involving the Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and the Rapid Action Force recovered them.
Protesters in Kangpokpi district clashed with security forces as the bodies were being transported. According to the Hindustan Times, security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd near the SP office, with some agitators reportedly sustaining injuries.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) alleged the youths were abducted and killed by Naga militants. The organisation demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and the transfer of the investigation to the National Investigation Agency.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the killings, stating that what began with hopes of a safe return ended in tragedy. She demanded that the crime be thoroughly investigated and the culprits brought to justice.
The discovery follows the death of three people from the Kuki community in an exchange of fire with armed miscreants in Noney district on Saturday, as reported by the Indian Express.