Manipur: Bodies of two missing Kuki youths found in Senapati
Security forces recovered the bodies of Tinginlun Chongloi and Paoginlal Hangshing following a search operation.
The bodies of two Kuki youths, who went missing from Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district on October 28, were recovered on Sunday in a hilly stretch in adjoining Senapati, according to The Hawk and The Economic Times.
The deceased have been identified as 21-year-old Tinginlun Chongloi and 20-year-old Paoginlal Hangshing. Joint teams comprising the Manipur Police, CRPF, CoBRA, RAF, and Assam Rifles recovered the bodies during an extensive search operation in the area east of NH-2 along SP Road.
The Federal reported that the bodies were found stuffed in gunny bags in a banana farm. Following the discovery, protesters in Kangpokpi district clashed with security forces, leading police to use tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse agitators who were burning tyres and blocking roads.
One protester sustained a head injury after being allegedly hit by a tear gas shell, according to The Federal. Tension remains high in the district, and additional security forces were deployed on Monday morning.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) had previously alleged the youths were abducted by Naga militants and has demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho. COTU also stated they would not receive the bodies for final rites until the perpetrators are arrested.
Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho condemned the killings. Naga Peoples' Organisation president Kuba Peter called for an impartial and independent investigation to prevent the manipulation of evidence or communal tension.