Manipur ethnic conflict: Bodies of 2 missing Kuki-Zo youths found in gunny bags in Kangpokpi

GUWAHATI: Security forces recovered the bodies of two Kuki-Zo youths, who went missing from Taphou Kuki village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Oct 28, during a joint search operation on Sunday morning.The deceased were identified as Tinginlun Chongloi (21) and Paoginlal Hangshing (20). Their bodies were reportedly found stuffed in gunny bags in a banana plantation in Kangpokpi district.The recovery followed an extensive joint search operation by Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles and Rapid Action Force along SP Road, a hilly stretch east of NH-2 connecting Senapati and Kangpokpi districts.In a statement, Manipur Police said legal formalities were underway and search and combing operations would continue to identify and apprehend those responsible.Several civil society organisations in Kangpokpi have refused to claim the bodies until those responsible for the alleged abduction and killings are arrested.The killings triggered protests at the Kangpokpi district headquarters, where demonstrators alleged that the youths had been abducted and killed by ‘Naga militants’. Security personnel used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters gathered outside the superintendent of police’s office. Several demonstrators were reportedly injured.The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) extended its ongoing total shutdown, which was called in protest against the alleged abduction of the two Kuki-Zo youths, in Kangpokpi by another 24 hours. The shutdown was scheduled to end at 5 pm on Sunday.The tribal body also demanded the immediate removal of deputy chief minister Losii Dikho, who belongs to the Naga community, alleging that he had failed to ensure the safe release of the youths and protect lives in the affected areas.In its list of demands, CoTU sought the extension of Kangpokpi police jurisdiction to Taphou Kuki village to strengthen security and law enforcement. It also demanded that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency for an independent probe and that all those involved in the alleged abduction and killings be arrested and prosecuted.The incident comes amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur. Five Kuki-Zo people have been killed in two separate incidents since Saturday. Three Kuki-Zo people were killed in a gunfight with Naga armed groups in Noney district on Saturday morning, hours before Meitei and Naga protesters brought Imphal to a standstill during a rally against what they described as the ‘Centre’s proxy war using Kuki SoO groups’.Deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the killings. “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of the brutal killings of Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi this morning, following their abduction on Oct 28. What began with hopes for their safe return has ended in a tragedy,” he said.“This heinous crime must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay. The families deserve swift justice. As I had appealed earlier, I once again call upon everyone not to allow this tragedy to lead to further violence,” Kipgen added.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Guwahati | Silver Rate in Guwahati | Bank Holidays in Guwahati | Public Holidays in Guwahati | Guwahati AQI | Weather in Guwahati | Petrol Price in Guwahati | Diesel Price in Guwahati | CNG Price in Guwahati | LPG Price in GuwahatiStay updated with the latest Guwahati news. Download the TOI App.