Five Kuki Men Killed in Two Manipur Incidents, Clashes Follow

GG News Bureau
Imphal, 2nd Nov: Fresh Manipur violence has claimed five lives in two separate incidents, triggering protests and clashes in Kangpokpi district after security forces recovered the bodies of two missing Kuki men. The developments have renewed concerns over the security situation in the state’s hill districts.

The two victims, identified as Paoginlal Hangsing and Tinginlun Chongloi, had gone missing from Taphou Kuki village on October 28. Their disappearance had prompted the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, to call a district-wide shutdown demanding their safe release.

Clashes and Protests in Kangpokpi
The bodies were recovered on Sunday during a joint search operation involving Manipur Police, CoBRA, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Assam Rifles and the Rapid Action Force (RAF). The operation was conducted east of National Highway-2 along the SP Road.

The bodies were subsequently brought to Kangpokpi District Hospital, where large crowds gathered. Tensions escalated after the identities of the deceased were confirmed, leading to confrontations between protesters and security personnel.

Police used tear gas shells to disperse the crowds as protests intensified. The bodies were later shifted to the Superintendent of Police’s office in Kangpokpi. Protesters also blocked National Highway-2, while shops and private institutions remained closed under the shutdown called by CoTU.

At least three protesters were injured during the clashes, according to reports. Security forces continued efforts to contain the situation and restore order.

CoTU Refuses to Accept Bodies
The Committee on Tribal Unity announced that it would not claim the bodies until the government addressed its charter of demands, including the immediate removal of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho.

CoTU spokesperson Ng Lun Kipgen said the committee had extended its shutdown by 24 hours on Saturday, hoping Dikho would intervene with people in Senapati district to secure the safe release of the two youths.

The committee said the extension had been made in good faith, but the recovery of the bodies had changed the situation. It has maintained its demand for government intervention and accountability.

Police said legal formalities were underway and search and combing operations would continue to identify and apprehend those responsible for the deaths.

Three Kuki Men Killed in Noney
In a separate incident on Saturday, three Kuki men were killed in an exchange of gunfire between two unidentified armed groups at Kekru Naga village in Noney district, under Nungba Police Station.

The deceased were identified as Thanglensang Singson, Thangkhosei Haokip and Lamminsang Kipgen. They hailed from villages in Churachandpur district.

The circumstances that led to the gunfire exchange and the identities of those involved remain unclear. Local sources said tensions had been building in the surrounding areas for several days before the incident.

The killings have also raised concerns following a reported attack on Tazeikaiphun Naga village on October 29, during which several houses and other structures were allegedly burnt. A connection between the incidents has not been established.

Kuki Tribal Body Alleges Armed Group Involvement
Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, condemned the killings in Noney and alleged that cadres of the NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) were responsible. It also alleged that the victims’ bodies had been desecrated.

The organisation accused authorities of failing to provide adequate security to vulnerable Kuki-Zo settlements in the district and demanded accountability and immediate steps to protect civilians.

The allegations against the two groups have not been independently verified. Police have not identified those responsible, and investigations into both incidents are continuing.