Protests erupt in Kangpokpi after two missing Kuki men found dead
Clashes between demonstrators and security forces broke out in Manipur after the bodies of two men were recovered on Sunday.
Tensions rose in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday after the bodies of two Kuki men, who had been missing since October 28, were recovered. According to reports from Hindustan Times and India Today, the deceased have been identified as 20-year-old Paoginlal Hangshing and 21-year-old Tinginlun Chongloi.
The bodies were found in gunny bags in a hilly area near the Senapati-Phaibung (SP) Road during a joint search operation. The teams involved included the Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and the Rapid Action Force (RAF).
Following the recovery, protesters gathered at the Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police (SP) office, leading to confrontations with security personnel. Officials stated that police used tear gas and fired live rounds into the air to control the crowd, while protesters used stones and slingshots. At least three protesters were injured in the clashes.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced it would not accept the mortal remains until five demands are met. These include the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, the transfer of Taphou Kuki village to Kangpokpi police jurisdiction, the removal of the NSCN-IM's Huthrong Brigade from its Oklong camp, the transfer of the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the arrest of those responsible.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the killings and called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Police said legal formalities are being completed and search operations will continue to apprehend those involved in the killings.