Guwahati: Five people were killed in two separate incidents of violence in Manipur, triggering fresh tensions in Kangpokpi and Noney districts. The recovery of two missing Kuki youths in Kangpokpi on Sunday sparked protests and clashes, while three Kuki men were killed in a reported exchange of gunfire in Noney district a day earlier.
The two victims recovered in Kangpokpi were identified as Paoginlal Hangsing and Tinginlun Chongloi, both aged 20. They had gone missing from Taphou Kuki village on October 28, prompting the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) to announce a shutdown across the district.
Their bodies were recovered during a joint search operation involving Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles and the Rapid Action Force. The operation was conducted in areas east of National Highway-2 along SP Road.
Following confirmation of their deaths, angry residents gathered at Kangpokpi District Hospital and later continued their protests near the Superintendent of Police’s office. Security forces deployed tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators as tensions escalated.
Protesters also blocked National Highway-2, while shops and private institutions remained closed as part of the shutdown. CoTU subsequently announced that it would not claim the bodies until the government addressed its demands, including the immediate removal of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho.
Meanwhile, three Kuki men were killed in a separate gunfire incident at Kekru Naga village under Nungba police station in Noney district on Saturday. The victims were identified as Thanglensang Singson, Thangkhosei Haokip and Lamminsang Kipgen, all from villages in Churachandpur district.
The circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire and the identities of those involved remain unclear. The incident has raised further concerns following a reported attack on Tazeikaiphun Naga village on October 29, during which several houses and structures were allegedly burnt. No connection between the incidents has been established.
Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the killings and accused cadres of NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) of involvement. It also alleged that the victims’ bodies had been desecrated and criticised the authorities over security arrangements in vulnerable Kuki-Zo settlements.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and police have not identified those responsible.
Police said legal procedures and extensive search operations were continuing to establish the circumstances behind the killings and identify those involved.
