Fresh tensions in Manipur after two Kuki youths abducted

IMPHAL, Oct 29 (NPN): Fresh tensions flared up in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday after two youths were allegedly abducted by miscreants from a place bordering Senapati district on the previous day.
The abducted youths were identified as Paoginlal Hangshing (20) son of Haokholet Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi (21) son of Paominlal Chongloi. Both hail from Taphou Kuki village.
They were allegedly abducted near the 9th Manipur Rifles post at Maremei, situated between Hengbung and Taphou along the NH-102, on Wednesday, around 5.30 pm while returning from Hengbung police outpost.
The missing of the two youths was amid the renewed Naga-Kuki conflict in the hill region of the restive state which have so far resulted in over 50 to 60 deaths since it erupted in February this year.
In a statement widely circulated on various social media platforms on Thursday, Taphou Kuki Village Authority said that their whereabouts remain unknown and expressed deep concern over the abduction of the two youths, while alleging that the incident has caused anxiety among residents and the families of the missing youths.
The village authority further sought immediate intervention from the law enforcing agencies to trace the missing youths and ensure their safe and unconditional release.
It also expressed hope for the safe and early return of two youths while calling for swift action to bring those responsible to justice and restore a sense of safety in the region.
Meanwhile, blaming “Naga militants” behind the abduction of the two youth, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills pressed for immediate and unconditional release.
“CoTU, in the strongest terms, condemns the kidnapping of two innocent Kuki youths by Naga militants on …..”, the CoTU said in a statement declaring a 48-hour total shutdown in Kangpokpi district which commenced on Thursday at 5 pm. It stated that essential medical services, media personnel and security forces will be exempted from the shutdown which will last till 5pm of October 31.
CoTU further called upon the concerned authorities to take immediate action to secure the release of the two youths and address the incident.
The Kangpokpi based CSO also condemned, in the strongest terms, the “total security lapse and step-motherly treatment of security forces and the state government”.
The statement further warned that if the kidnapped youths are not released safe and unharmed, CoTU will be compelled to intensify its agitation.
“The government and the perpetrators shall be held responsible for any consequences thereof,” the statement further warned.