Tensions rise in Manipur's Kangpokpi after two Kuki men found dead
Clashes between protesters and security forces left three people injured after the bodies of two missing men were recovered.
Tension gripped Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday after the bodies of two Kuki men were recovered, according to the Hindustan Times. The men, identified as 20-year-old Paoginlal Hangshing and 21-year-old Tinginlun Chongloi, had been missing since October 28.
The two men were reportedly taken by unidentified individuals while they were travelling between Hengbung and Taphou Kuki village. Joint teams including the Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and the Rapid Action Force recovered the bodies during a search operation east of National Highway 2 on Sunday.
Clashes broke out when the Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police brought the bodies to the district hospital. Protesters attempted to storm the Superintendent of Police's office, leading to a confrontation with security personnel. Police used tear gas shells and fired live rounds into the air, while protesters used stones and slingshots, leaving at least three protesters injured.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) announced it would refuse to accept the mortal remains until five demands are met. Spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen demanded the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho from the state cabinet and the transfer of the case to the National Investigation Agency.
Other demands from CoTU include transferring Taphou Kuki village to Kangpokpi police jurisdiction and removing the NSCN-IM's Huthrong Brigade from its Oklong camp in Senapati district. The committee also called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the abduction and killings.