Violence and protests in Kangpokpi following recovery of two youths' bodies

The situation turned tense in Manipur's Kangpokpi district following the recovery of the dismembered bodies of two missing youths, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces. According to the police, security forces resorted to firing tear gas shells and conducted lathi charge to disperse the protesters after the incident.

The bodies of the two youths were found in a hilly area of Senapati district on the morning of Sunday, 1 November, 2026. The youths have been identified as T. Chongloi (21 years) and Paoginlal Hunsing (20 years), who had gone missing from Taifou Kuki village on 29 October. Their dismembered bodies were found stuffed in gunny bags in a banana plantation during an ongoing operation to locate them.

Protests turned violent in parts of Kangpokpi district on Sunday night. Protesters set tyres on fire and attempted to block roads using wooden logs and stones. Protesters also pelted stones at security forces, in response to which the police fired tear gas shells. During this clash, one protester sustained a head injury from a tear gas shell, though their condition is reported to be stable.

Lathi charge was employed by the police to disperse the agitated protesters. According to a statement issued by the police, extensive search operations were conducted by joint teams of Manipur Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and RAF on SP Road towards the east of NH-2. SP Road is a hilly area connecting Senapati and Kangpokpi districts. A police official stated that the two bodies were discovered during an operation conducted by these joint teams.

As tension continues in the district on the morning of Monday, 2 November, 2026, additional security forces have been deployed, a district official said. Some roads have been cleared by the police.

State Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losi Dichu have condemned the killings. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, said in a statement that what began with the hope of returning safely has resulted in tragedy. She demanded a full investigation into these heinous crimes and that justice be served to the perpetrators.

The second Deputy Chief Minister, Losi Dichu, who belongs to the Naga community, also condemned the violence, stating that such senseless acts of violence must be condemned in the strongest terms. He further added that the ongoing violence in the state is unacceptable and no dispute can justify taking human lives.

On the other hand, the Naga People's Organisation (NPO) has raised questions regarding the circumstances under which the bodies were found in Senapati district. NPO President Kuba Peter told reporters that while they condemn any form of murder, they equally condemn any attempts to tamper with evidence or deliberately escalate community tensions. He demanded an impartial, transparent, and independent investigation to establish the truth and ensure accountability.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), based in Kangpokpi, has demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Losi Dichu in connection with the incident. The committee has also demanded that Taifou Kuki village be transferred from the jurisdiction of Senapati SP to the jurisdiction of Kangpokpi SP. The committee clarified that the bodies will not be brought to the village for final rites until the perpetrators are arrested.

Manipur has a history of serious violence. On 31 October, 2026, three people from the Kuki community were killed in a clash between armed groups in Noney district, and their bodies reached Churachandpur district on the night of 1 November. Since the start of ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Naga communities in February this year, more than 50 people have been killed and dozens of houses burnt in Tengnoupal, Noney, Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi districts. Previously, more than 300 people were killed and 49 went missing in violence between the Meiteis of Imphal Valley and the Kukis of the hilly areas, leaving thousands homeless.