Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki tribal organisation, has demanded the immediate removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho following the abduction and killing of two Kuki youths, accusing him of failing to ensure their safe release.
The demand has intensified political tensions in the state, with the organisation alleging administrative negligence on the Deputy Chief Minister’s part.
The victims, identified as Thangginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangsing, 20, went missing from Taphou Kuki village on October 28. Their bodies were recovered by joint security forces on November 1 from a banana plantation in neighbouring Senapati district. The bodies were reportedly found packed in gunny bags.
Kuki organisations and protesters have alleged that Naga militants abducted and killed the two youths.
Amid the growing unrest, Deputy Chief Minister Dikho issued a statement condemning the killings, describing them as senseless acts of violence that could not be justified by any grievance or disagreement.
He said the continuing violence in Manipur was unacceptable, as it deepened mistrust and undermined efforts to restore peace. Reiterating his commitment to peace and security, Dikho said the people of Manipur deserved to live together with dignity.
However, CoTU has rejected the government’s response and refused to claim the bodies for burial until its key demands are met. The organisation has specifically called for Dikho’s immediate removal or resignation, citing his responsibility as the representative of the area and his failure to secure the youths’ release.
The committee has also demanded that Taphou Kuki village be removed from Senapati police jurisdiction and brought under the jurisdiction of Kangpokpi district police, citing security concerns.
Its other demands include handing over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), arresting all those responsible for the killings and relocating the NSCN-IM’s Huthrong Brigade camp from the Oklong area of Senapati district.
CoTU has maintained that the bodies will not be claimed until the government addresses its demands.