Ukhrul: The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul on Friday strongly condemned the brutal and inhumane killing of Thenkhogin Baite, 42, son of late Sempao Baite from Thowai Kuki Village, Kamjong, and Thangboimang Khongsai, 35 years old, S/O Kaipao from Shangkai Village, Ukhrul.
Their bodies were discovered blindfolded, with their hands tied behind their backs, showing signs of severe assault with sharp objects before being shot dead, alleged the Kuki organisation.
The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul expressed deep concern over the actions of the district authorities and security forces. According to the Committee, the officials seemed to prioritise the safety and comfort of the 21 Tangkhul travellers while making minimal effort to locate the two missing individuals.
Authorities reportedly cited the lack of mobile phones as a reason for being unable to track the missing persons, a justification the committee finds inadequate.
The bodies were eventually found at 8:30 am on Thursday by a joint search team of villagers from Shangkai and Thowai, accompanied by BSF personnel.
The Committee announced that the bodies of the deceased will not be claimed until the perpetrators are identified, arrested, and awarded the death penalty.
The Committee also demanded that the case of the two deceased be registered and investigated by Saikul/Kangpokpi Police, stating that the community has no trust in the Ukhrul Police. Furthermore, the investigation should be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure transparency and impartiality.
The Committee further urged the central government to take proactive and decisive steps to expedite justice, demonstrating the same urgency and commitment as shown by the Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand, in the swift extraction of the 21 Tangkhul travellers by utilising the full authority and resources of his office.
The Committee also noted that the Kuki community, which previously felt secure coexisting with the Tangkhul fellow Christian community, now feels endangered and has demanded the relocation of all Kuki villages in Ukhrul district to Kangpokpi district for the safety and protection of its people.
The Committee further announced a total shutdown along the Imphal–Ukhrul road until these demands are fulfilled.
The working committee further warned that if the Kuki community is once again left without protection or justice, the people will be compelled to defend their lives and communities with all their might. The agitation will continue until justice is delivered.
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