Security forces recover bodies of two missing Kuki youths in Manipur
Tensions rose in Kangpokpi district after the discovery of the bodies of Paoginlal Hangsing and Tinginlun Chongloi.
Security forces recovered the bodies of two Kuki youths in Manipur's Senapati district on Sunday, according to The Economic Times and The Indian Express. The deceased, identified as 20-year-old Paoginlal Hangsing and 20-year-old Tinginlun Chongloi, had been missing since October 28.
The bodies were found during a joint search operation by Manipur Police, CRPF, Assam Rifles, CoBRA, and the Rapid Action Force in an area east of National Highway-2 along the Senapati-Phaibung Road. The two men had previously gone missing while travelling between Hengbung and Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district.
The discovery triggered protests and clashes in Kangpokpi district, leaving at least three protesters injured, as reported by Hindustan Times. Demonstrators reportedly attempted to storm the Superintendent of Police's office, leading to confrontations where police used tear gas and fired live rounds into the air. Protesters responded by throwing stones and using slingshots.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced it would not accept the bodies until five demands are met. These include transferring Taphou Kuki village to Kangpokpi police jurisdiction, removing the NSCN-IM's Huthrong Brigade from its Oklong camp, transferring the case to the NIA, and arresting those responsible.
CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen also demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho from the state cabinet. While the situation at the district headquarters temporarily eased following the announcement, police stated that combing operations would continue to apprehend those responsible for the killings.