The Kangpokpi protests intensified on November 1 after security forces recovered the bodies of two missing Kuki-Zo youths in Manipur, triggering widespread anger and confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel.
The deceased, Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi, had reportedly gone missing on October 28. Their bodies were recovered during a joint search operation along Senapati-Phaibung Road in Senapati district on Sunday morning. Their deaths have further heightened tensions across Kangpokpi district.
The recovery came amid a shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), which had demanded the immediate and safe release of the two youths.
Kangpokpi Protests Erupt After Bodies Are Recovered
The discovery of the bodies sparked outrage among residents, who gathered as the authorities brought the remains to Kangpokpi. Demonstrators demanded accountability and immediate action against those responsible for the alleged abduction and killings.
According to reports, the situation became increasingly tense as protesters confronted security personnel. Authorities subsequently shifted the bodies from the district hospital to the office of the Superintendent of Police amid mounting unrest.
Security forces reportedly fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the demonstrators. Protesters also blocked National Highway-2, disrupting movement along an important road corridor connecting Manipur with other parts of the Northeast.
Meanwhile, shops, business establishments and private institutions across the district remained closed as part of the shutdown. The Kangpokpi protests reflected growing frustration over the failure to secure the safe return of the missing youths.
Two Kuki-Zo Youths Went Missing on October 28
The deceased were identified as Paoginlal Hangshing, 20, and Tinginlun Chongloi, 21. Both belonged to Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district.
Reports indicate that the two youths were allegedly abducted at gunpoint near Marenmei village on October 28. Their disappearance prompted immediate concern among local residents and community organisations.
Following reports of the abduction, Manipur Police and central security forces launched several search operations to trace the missing men.
The search involved personnel from Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Assam Rifles and other specialised security units.
On Sunday, a joint team comprising Manipur Police, the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), CRPF, Assam Rifles and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) conducted an extensive operation east of National Highway-2 along the Senapati-Phaibung Road.
The operation led to the recovery of the two bodies. Police said the necessary legal formalities were being completed and that search operations would continue to identify and apprehend those responsible.
CoTU Raises Five Demands Before Claiming the Bodies
The Committee on Tribal Unity had initially announced a 48-hour total shutdown across Kangpokpi district from October 29. It later extended the shutdown by another 24 hours, hoping that intervention by the state leadership would help secure the youths’ safe release.
However, the recovery of the bodies changed the situation significantly. Following the discovery, CoTU announced that it would not claim the remains until the government addressed its five-point charter of demands.
The organisation’s demands include the immediate removal of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, whom it accused of failing to secure the youths’ release. It also called for the transfer of Taphou Kuki village from Senapati police jurisdiction to Kangpokpi.
Additionally, CoTU demanded the removal of the NSCN-IM’s Huthrong Brigade from its Oklong camp in Senapati district. The committee also sought an immediate investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the arrest of those allegedly involved in the abduction and killings.
CoTU has also raised concerns about what it described as discriminatory treatment of the Kuki-Zo community. It has called for equal treatment and justice in the investigation.
The Kangpokpi protests therefore reflect not only anger over the deaths but also wider concerns about security, jurisdiction and accountability.
Security Forces Continue Search Operations
Manipur Police have indicated that security operations will continue in the areas surrounding the recovery site. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and deaths.
The identities of the perpetrators have not been officially established. Therefore, allegations against any particular group or organisation remain unproven.
Meanwhile, security personnel have taken precautionary measures to prevent further violence. The situation remains sensitive, particularly following the road blockades and confrontations reported during Sunday’s demonstrations.
Authorities face the challenge of maintaining public order while addressing demands for a thorough investigation. The recovery of the bodies has also increased pressure on the state government to respond to the concerns raised by community representatives.
Fresh Killings Add to Manipur’s Security Concerns
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of renewed violence in Manipur. On October 31, three Kuki men were reportedly killed in an exchange of fire involving armed groups in Noney district.
The recovery of the two missing youths a day later brought the number of Kuki men killed in the two separate incidents to five over the weekend.
These developments have added another layer of concern to an already fragile security situation. Manipur has experienced prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023, resulting in widespread displacement, deaths and deep divisions between communities.
The renewed incidents also highlight the continuing challenges facing security agencies in preventing attacks and restoring confidence among affected residents.
For now, the Kangpokpi protests and CoTU’s demands have placed renewed attention on the government’s response to the killings. The immediate priorities include identifying those responsible, completing the investigation and preventing further confrontations.
As security forces continue their operations, residents await concrete action from the authorities. The coming days will be important in determining whether the situation stabilises and whether the demands for accountability receive an official response.
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