India
Manipur’s Kangpokpi District Extends Shutdown After Two Kuki Bodies Found
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki‑Zo civil body, extended the total shutdown in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district by another 48 hours after the bodies of two missing Kuki residents were recovered on Sunday. The individuals, Thangginlun Chongloi (21) and Paoginlal Hangsing (20), lived in Taphou Kuki village and were reportedly abducted on October 28 while traveling between Hengbung and Taphou Kuki village. They are believed to have been taken by Naga groups. CoTU said the shutdown was extended to protest the government’s failure to rescue the two and alleged that the killings were a result of governmental inaction. The committee warned that if the government did not take immediate action and deliver justice by 5 pm on November 4, the community would convene a “Mass Public Meeting” to decide further steps. On Sunday, CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen issued a five‑point charter of demands, including the removal of deputy chief minister Losii Dikho, transfer of Taphou Kuki village from Senapati police jurisdiction to Kangpokpi, removal of the NSCN‑IM’s Huthrong Brigade from its Oklong camp, handing the case to the National Investigation Agency, and immediate arrest of those involved in the abduction and killing. Police initially attempted to bring the bodies to the Kangpokpi district hospital. Later that night, amid escalating tensions, the bodies were taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal under tight security and placed in the hospital’s mortuary. Post‑mortem examinations were conducted at RIMS on Monday after the completion of due formalities. The bodies remain in the mortuary.
Frequently asked questions
Who were the victims whose bodies were recovered?
Thangginlun Chongloi (21) and Paoginlal Hangsing (20), residents of Taphou Kuki village.
What demands did the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) issue after the bodies were recovered?
Removal of deputy chief minister Losii Dikho, transfer of Taphou Kuki village jurisdiction, removal of NSCN‑IM’s Huthrong Brigade, handing the case to the National Investigation Agency, and immediate arrest of those involved in the abduction and killing.
Where were the bodies taken for post‑mortem examinations?
The bodies were taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal and placed in the hospital’s mortuary.