Protesters clash with security forces in Manipur's Kangpokpi district
Clashes erupted after the mutilated bodies of two missing youths were recovered from a banana farm in Senapati.
Protesters clashed with security forces in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday night after the mutilated bodies of two missing youths were found in adjoining Senapati, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle, The Federal and The Hindu.
The bodies of T Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangsing, 20, were discovered in gunny bags in a banana farm during a search operation on Sunday morning. The two youths had gone missing from Taphou Kuki village on October 29.
Agitators blocked roads with boulders, logs of wood and burning tyres. Security forces used tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse the crowd after protesters threw stones at them. One protester sustained a head injury from an alleged tear gas shell and is in stable condition.
Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho condemned the killings. Kipgen demanded a thorough investigation into the crimes, while Dikho stated that no disagreements can justify taking a human life.
The Naga Peoples' Organisation (NPO) has questioned the circumstances of the recovery, with NPO president Kuba Peter demanding an independent investigation to prevent the manipulation of evidence. Meanwhile, the Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) demanded the resignation of Dikho.
Additional security forces were deployed on Monday morning as tension remains high in the district. COTU also sought the transfer of Taphou Kuki Village from the jurisdiction of the Senapati superintendent of police to the Kangpokpi SP.