Security forces recover bodies of two abducted Kuki men in Kangpokpi
The recovery of the bodies triggered protests and clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday.
Security forces recovered the bodies of two Kuki men in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday, according to reports by Outlook and Hindustan Times. The deceased have been identified as 20-year-old Paoginlal Hangshing and 21-year-old Tinginlun Chongloi, who had been missing since October 28.
The recovery followed an extensive joint search operation along the SP Road, east of NH-2, involving Manipur Police, CRPF, Assam Rifles, CoBRA, and RAF. Officials suspect the men were abducted while travelling between Hengbung and Taphou villages.
The discovery triggered protests and clashes in Kangpokpi. When the Superintendent of Police brought the bodies to the district hospital, a large crowd attempted to storm the SP's office. This led to a confrontation where police fired tear gas shells and live rounds into the air, while protesters used stones and slingshots.
At least three protesters were injured.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced it would not accept the mortal remains until five demands are met. These include the transfer of Taphou Kuki village to Kangpokpi jurisdiction, the removal of the NSCN-IM's Huthrong Brigade from its Oklong camp, transferring the case to the NIA, and the arrest of those responsible.
The recovery follows the killing of three Kuki community members in a gunfight in Noney district. Manipur has seen ethnic violence since May 2023, resulting in nearly 368 deaths and the displacement of around 66,000 people.