Mutilated bodies of two missing youths found in Manipur
Protesters clashed with security forces in Kangpokpi district after the bodies of two missing youths were recovered from a banana plantation.
The mutilated bodies of two youths, who had been missing from Taphou Kuki village since late October, were recovered from a banana plantation in a hilly area of Senapati on Sunday, according to the Hindustan Times. The deceased have been identified as T Chongloi and Paoginlal Hangsing.
The recovery occurred during a joint search operation involving the Manipur Police, CRPF, Assam Rifles, CoBRA, and RAF. The bodies were found inside gunny bags in an area east of NH-2 along SP Road.
Following the discovery, protesters in the Kangpokpi district headquarters clashed with security forces. Officials stated that security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd near the SP office, and some agitators reportedly sustained injuries.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) alleged that the youths were abducted and killed by Naga militants. The group demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and requested that the investigation be transferred to the National Investigation Agency.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the killings, stating that the incident was a tragedy. She called for a thorough investigation into the crime to ensure the culprits are brought to justice.
The incident follows recent violence in the state, including a gunfight in Noney district on Saturday that killed three people belonging to the Kuki community.