Manipur: Tension in Kangpokpi after tear gas, baton charge on protesters over death of two Kuki-Zo youths

Security forces faced allegations of excessive force in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday, November 1 after a protest over the deaths of two abducted Kuki-Zo youths turned violent, with personnel allegedly resorting to baton charges and repeated tear gas shelling to disperse the gathering.

Several protesters sustained injuries and were taken to the District Hospital in Kangpokpi. Residents also alleged that vehicles and windowpanes of residential buildings were damaged during the security operation. The use of tear gas reportedly caused distress to infants, elderly people and other vulnerable residents in the area.

The confrontation broke out as hundreds of grieving residents gathered outside the office of the Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police after the bodies of Paoginlal Hangshing, 21, and Tinginlun Chongloi, 20, were brought to the district headquarters. Both youths belonged to Taphou Kuki village and had been found during a joint search operation along the Senapati-Phaibung Road.

According to local accounts, the gathering, initially organised in response to the recovery of the bodies, escalated into a confrontation between protesters and security personnel. Security forces subsequently carried out baton charges and fired multiple rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

However, residents accused security personnel of using disproportionate force, alleging that some protesters were physically assaulted and that the operation affected people beyond the immediate protest site.

Several injured protesters, while receiving treatment at the district hospital, alleged that security personnel had used excessive force against the gathering.

The situation remained tense in Kangpokpi until late Sunday night, with residents reporting repeated tear gas shelling and expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation.
CoTU questions security forces' conduct

Reacting to the developments, Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen questioned the conduct of security personnel, particularly in view of discussions held between the organisation and the district administration.

Kipgen said the actions of security forces had aggravated public resentment instead of helping ease tensions following the recovery of the two bodies.

"What baffles us is that even after a hectic discussion with the concerned district administration, instead of subsiding or allaying the fear and sentiments of the people, the highhandedness of the security forces is uncalled for," he said.

He urged the authorities to intervene and examine the alleged conduct of security personnel.

Kipgen also said the organisation's efforts to contain public anger would depend on the government's response and cooperation.

"Our best effort to contain and convince the public depends on the reciprocity of the Government. We can understand that the Government might be giving its best effort, but for us on the ground, you should give us space to convince the public. There is no visible action till date on the part of the Government," he added.

The confrontation comes amid heightened tensions in Kangpokpi following the alleged abduction of the two youths at gunpoint on October 28 and their subsequent killing.

Following the recovery of the bodies, CoTU extended its ongoing total shutdown by another 24 hours. The organisation also announced that it would not claim the bodies until the government addressed its charter of demands.

The demands include the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, rectification of police jurisdiction concerning Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, removal of the NSCN-IM camp in Senapati district, arrest of those responsible for the abduction and killings, and transfer of the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

CoTU has also sought concrete action from the government to ensure accountability for the killings and address the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The latest confrontation has further complicated the security situation in Manipur, with allegations of excessive force against civilians adding to existing tensions in Kangpokpi.

The incident has also renewed concerns over crowd-control measures and the need to ensure civilian safety during security operations. An impartial inquiry into the allegations of excessive force is likely to be crucial in addressing public concerns and restoring confidence in the administration.