Imphal: Two Kuki individuals who went missing after gunfire broke out at Thowai Kuki village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district were found dead early Thursday.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh told the state assembly that the state police have registered a case.
The Chief Minister informed the House that the case would be handed over to the National Investigation Agency for proper investigation and to ensure accountability.
The CM, although he did not elaborate on the matter or mention the names of the deceased, stated that the government would provide ex gratia payments to the next of kin as per government norms.
Earlier, replying to a question during a call attention motion moved by Leader of the Opposition Keisham Meghachandra (Congress MLA) regarding the missing Kuki individuals and the injury of another in an exchange of fire between two groups from different communities, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that a Kuki man, Lalmithang Haokip (41), a resident of Thowai Kuki village, sustained a bullet injury to his leg. He was hospitalised at the Community Health Centre, Kangpokpi.
The firing reportedly occurred after armed men destroyed and set fire to the poppy plantation at Thowai Kuki village, according to government reports, stated the Home Minister.
He also said that a total of 21 Naga passengers who were kidnapped by an armed group at Shangkai village in Ukhrul district on Wednesday have been released.
He appealed to the people, especially the confronting groups, to eschew violence and pursue peaceful coexistence among the different communities in the state.