Security forces recover bodies of two abducted Kuki men in Manipur
The bodies of Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi were found in Kangpokpi district following a joint search operation.
A joint team of security forces recovered the bodies of two Kuki men in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Sunday, according to the Hindustan Times. The deceased, identified as 20-year-old Paoginlal Hangshing and 21-year-old Tinginlun Chongloi, had been missing since October 28.
The recovery occurred during an extensive search operation conducted by teams comprising Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and RAF. The operation took place in the area east of NH-2, along the SP Road, which is a hilly stretch connecting the Senapati and Kangpokpi districts.
Officials suspect the two men were abducted while travelling between Hengbung and Taphou villages. The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) had imposed a total shutdown across the district from October 29, demanding their unconditional release.
The discovery follows the killing of three Kuki community members, identified as Thanglensang Singson, Thangkhosei Haokip, and Lamminsang Kipgen, in a gunfight in Noney district on Saturday. The Kuki Inpi Manipur stated the three men were village volunteers.
Manipur has experienced ethnic violence since May 2023, involving the Meitei and Kuki communities. Reports indicate that nearly 368 people have been killed and approximately 66,000 people have been displaced during the period of unrest.