Two missing Kuki men found dead in Manipur's Senapati district
Protests and clashes between demonstrators and security forces broke out in Kangpokpi after the bodies were recovered.
Security forces recovered the bodies of two missing Kuki-Zo youths in the Senapati district of Manipur on Sunday, according to The Indian Express. The deceased have been identified as Paoginlal Hangsing, 20, and Tinginlun Chongloi, 21.
The men had been missing since October 28 after they were reportedly abducted while travelling between Hengbung and Taphou Kuki village. A joint team including the Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and the Rapid Action Force recovered the bodies from a hilly area near a banana farm east of National Highway-2.
The discovery triggered protests in Kangpokpi district, where demonstrators clashed with security personnel. According to the Hindustan Times, protesters attempted to storm the Superintendent of Police's office, leading to the use of tear gas and live rounds fired into the air by security forces. At least three protesters were injured during the confrontation.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced it would not accept the mortal remains until five demands are met. These include the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, the transfer of Taphou Kuki village to Kangpokpi police jurisdiction, and the transfer of the case to the National Investigation Agency.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the killings and called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Police stated that search and combing operations will continue to identify and apprehend those involved in the deaths.