Manipur: Bodies of two missing Kuki youths found in Senapati
Security forces recovered the bodies of two youths following search operations in a hilly stretch near the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway.
The bodies of two Kuki youths, identified as Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, 20, were recovered on Sunday in a hilly stretch in Senapati district, according to The Hawk and The Economic Times.
The youths had gone missing from Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district on October 28. Joint teams comprising the Manipur Police, CRPF, Assam Rifles, CoBRA, and RAF recovered the bodies during a search operation in an area east of the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) along SP Road.
The Federal reported that the bodies were found stuffed in gunny bags in a banana farm. Following the discovery, protesters in Kangpokpi district clashed with security forces, leading police to use tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse agitators who were burning tyres and blocking roads.
One protester sustained a head injury after being allegedly hit by a tear gas shell, according to The Federal. Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho condemned the killings, with Kipgen demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) alleged the youths were abducted by Naga militants and has demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Dikho. The Naga Peoples' Organisation also called for an impartial and independent investigation to prevent the manipulation of evidence.
Additional security forces were deployed on Monday morning as tension remained high in the district, according to The Federal.