The recovery of the bodies of two Kuki-Zo youths allegedly abducted at gunpoint in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has triggered widespread protests and confrontations between demonstrators and security forces, with tensions escalating across the district on November 1.
The bodies of Paoginlal Hangshing (21) and Tinginlun Chongloi (20), both residents of Taphou Kuki village, were recovered on Sunday morning during an extensive joint search operation. The two youths had allegedly been abducted at around 5:30 pm on October 28 from near Marenmei village, barely a short distance from their homes.
According to Manipur Police, joint teams comprising state police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) recovered the bodies from an area east of National Highway-2, along SP Road.
The recovery sparked anger among residents, who gathered as the bodies were brought to the Kangpokpi District Hospital by the district’s Superintendent of Police. As the protests intensified, the bodies were subsequently shifted to the SP’s office.
Security personnel fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the demonstrators as tensions mounted. Protesters also blocked National Highway-2, disrupting movement in the area.
Meanwhile, shops, business establishments and private institutions across Kangpokpi remained closed in response to a total shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU).
The situation was further complicated after CoTU announced that it would not claim the bodies until the state government addressed its five-point charter of demands, which includes the immediate removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho.
Manipur’s Kangpokpi erupts in protests after two abducted Kuki-Zo youths found dead
