Imphal: Widespread protests and violent confrontations broke out across Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on November 1 following the recovery of the bodies of two Kuki-Zo youths who had allegedly been abducted at gunpoint.
Security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse angry demonstrators, who blocked National Highway-2 and enforced the closure of markets, businesses and private institutions across the district. An elderly tribal person was also injured during the security forces’ action, according to reports.
The victims, identified as Paoginlal Hangshing, 21, and Tinginlun Chongloi, 20, both residents of Taphou Kuki village, were found on Sunday morning during a joint search operation.
A combined team comprising state police, CoBRA, the CRPF, Assam Rifles and the Rapid Action Force recovered the bodies from an area east of National Highway-2 along SP Road. The two youths had been missing since October 28, when they were allegedly abducted from near Marenmei village.
Tensions escalated as the Superintendent of Police attempted to transport the bodies to Kangpokpi District Hospital, drawing large crowds of protesters. Amid the growing unrest, officials later shifted the remains directly to the police chief’s office.
In response to the killings, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) imposed a complete shutdown across Kangpokpi district and announced that it would not claim the bodies until the state government addressed its five-point charter of demands.
The committee has demanded the immediate removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, accusing him of failing to ensure the safe release of the two youths.
CoTU had earlier extended its shutdown by 24 hours in the hope that the Deputy Chief Minister would intervene with residents of neighbouring Senapati district and facilitate the safe return of the missing youths.
CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen said the extension had been granted in good faith, with the expectation that diplomatic efforts would lead to a breakthrough.
He said the committee would continue its agitation until all its demands were fulfilled. These include transferring Taphou Kuki village to the jurisdiction of Kangpokpi police, removing the NSCN-IM’s Huthrong Brigade from Oklong Camp, handing over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and arresting those responsible for the killings.