Protests Continue in Manipur Following Murder of Two Young Men from the Kuki Community
Life in Kangpokpi remains disrupted as protests continue against the murder of two Kuki youths, with calls for government action.
Kangpokpi, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : In Kangpokpi district, life has been significantly affected for the second consecutive day due to a shutdown called by a tribal organization. This protest follows the murder of two young men from the Kuki community, which has sparked outrage over the lack of government action.
A police official reported that shops, markets, and businesses remained closed during the shutdown. Numerous vehicles loaded with goods en route to Imphal were unable to enter Kangpokpi, becoming stranded in the neighboring Senapati district, primarily inhabited by the Naga community.
To maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents, additional security forces were deployed in the hilly region of Kangpokpi. The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), a prominent organization within the Kuki community, initiated the shutdown, accusing the state government of inaction regarding the murders.
The bodies of the two Kuki youths, who had been missing since October 28, were recovered on November 1. Their remains were found after extensive search operations conducted by a joint team of Manipur police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Cobra units, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Assam Rifles.
Following the discovery of the bodies, COTU called for a 24-hour shutdown starting Sunday, which was later extended for an additional 48 hours on Monday evening. The organization claims that the government has failed to take meaningful steps to ensure justice for the victims.
In a statement, the Kuki organization expressed its frustration, stating that the government’s response has been “shamefully indecisive” and that their “silence is unacceptable.” They demand concrete actions against those responsible for the brutal and inhumane killings of the two innocent Kuki citizens.
Tensions have escalated in the conflict-ridden state following the discovery of the youths’ bodies. Ethnic divisions and security concerns continue to pose significant challenges for the administration.
Manipur’s Deputy Chief Minister, Nemcha Kipgen, previously urged relevant authorities to make every effort to locate the two missing Kuki youths. In a prior statement, she condemned the alleged abduction of the youths near the Taphou Kuki village.
The victims have been identified as Tingnalun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, 20, who were reportedly kidnapped by unidentified assailants.
Another Deputy Chief Minister and senior Naga leader, Loci Dikho, also condemned the murders. Reports indicate that more than 50 people have died in clashes between the Naga and Kuki communities since February, with numerous homes set ablaze.
The violence has predominantly affected the districts of Ukhrul, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, and parts of Noney and Senapati. The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki community in the hills, which began in May 2023, has claimed at least 310 lives. Additionally, 49 individuals remain missing, and thousands have been displaced from their homes.
