Correspondent
IMPHAL, NOV 1: Tensions escalated in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Sunday after the bodies of two abducted Kuki youths were recovered from neighbouring Senapati district, triggering protests and an extension of the shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU).
A joint team of Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles and Rapid Action Force (RAF) recovered the bodies from an area east of NH-2 along the SP Road, connecting both districts.
The deceased were identified as Thangginlun Chongloi (21) and Paoginlal Hangsing (20), residents of Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi. They had been missing since October 28 after allegedly being abducted while returning from Hengbung Police Outpost. Reports said they were taken near the 9th Manipur Rifles post at Maremei, between Hengbung and Taphou along NH-102. Police launched searches after their disappearance. The bodies were recovered during Sunday’s joint operation, and combing operations continued.
The recovery triggered outrage in Kangpokpi, where a shutdown was already in force. Protesters gathered as the bodies were brought to the district hospital. CoTU, which had extended its 48-hour shutdown by another 24 hours seeking the youths’ safe release, further extended it after the recovery.
Authorities shifted the bodies to the district police headquarters as protests intensified. Security personnel fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse crowds and prevent highway blockades. Several protesters were reportedly injured.
Unconfirmed reports said houses along NH-2 near the inter-district border were set on fire.
CoTU said the families would not claim the bodies until the state government fulfilled its five-point charter of demands, including an NIA probe, arrest of those involved and removal of deputy chief minister Losii Dikho. It alleged Dikho had failed to secure the youths’ release and demanded removal of NSCN (I-M) Sepou Maremmai Region from Senapati district.
Deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the killings and called for an investigation, saying those responsible must be brought to justice. Describing it as a “heinous crime”, she said hopes for the youths’ safe return had ended in tragedy. She appealed for calm and urged people to prevent violence.