At A Glance
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Security forces recovered the bodies of two Kuki youths who went missing from Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district on October 28.
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Joint teams of Manipur Police, CRPF, CoBRA, RAF and Assam Rifles conducted extensive search operations.
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A 48-hour COTU shutdown disrupted traffic along Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) in protest against the alleged abduction.
The recovery comes after several days of search operations involving the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CoBRA, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Assam Rifles.
The disappearance of the two youths had triggered protests in Kangpokpi district, where the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) called a 48-hour shutdown demanding action over their alleged abduction.
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A Manipur Police official confirmed the recovery of the two bodies. Police have initiated the necessary legal formalities and other procedures.
Joint Security Teams Recover Two Bodies
According to a Manipur Police official, the two youths disappeared from Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district on October 28.
Following the incident, authorities launched multiple search operations to trace them. Joint teams comprising personnel from the Manipur Police, CRPF, CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), Rapid Action Force and Assam Rifles participated in the operations.
On Sunday, security personnel intensified their search in the general area east of Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2), along SP Road.
Teams from the Manipur Police and central security forces conducted an extensive joint operation across the area. During the search, personnel located and recovered two bodies.
The police official confirmed the recovery and said the authorities were completing the required legal procedures.
However, officials have indicated that the search operations are not over. Security forces will continue combing the area to identify and apprehend those responsible for the incident.
COTU Shutdown Disrupts NH-2 Traffic
The disappearance of the two Kuki youths triggered a strong protest in Kangpokpi district. The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) called a 48-hour shutdown to protest against their reported abduction and demand action.
The shutdown began at 5 p.m. on Thursday and continued until Saturday evening. It disrupted vehicular movement along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2).
Shops, markets and other commercial establishments across the affected areas remained closed during the protest.
COTU alleged that “Naga militants” had abducted the two Kuki youths. The allegation formed the basis of the organisation’s shutdown call.
The protest highlighted the growing concern over the disappearance of the two men and intensified demands for their safe recovery.
Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen Condemns Alleged Abduction
Earlier, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen had urged the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace and rescue the missing youths.
In a statement, Kipgen strongly condemned the alleged abduction of the two men from the vicinity of Taphou Kuki village on Wednesday evening.
She identified the missing youths as Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, 20.
According to her statement, unidentified miscreants allegedly abducted the two men.
Kipgen appealed to the authorities to take all necessary steps to locate them and secure their safe return.
Search Operations to Continue
The recovery of the two bodies marks a significant development in the case that prompted extensive security operations and protests in Kangpokpi district.
However, the investigation and search efforts remain ongoing. Security forces plan to continue combing operations in the area to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Police are also carrying out the necessary legal formalities following the recovery.
Officials have said the continuing operations aim to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)