IMPHAL: Two youth from the Kuki-Zo community were killed in the Phailengmol area of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday.
The victims, identified as 23-year-old Kamminlal Lupheng from Maphoudam and 25-year-old Kamlengsat Lunkim from Bongjang, fell victim to gunfire allegedly perpetrated by Meitei militants in collaboration with members of central security forces, as asserted by tribal groups.
Confirming the deaths, both the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity issued separate statements condemning the killings.
Disturbing videos depicting the mutilation of the victims’ corpses post-firing, circulated widely on social media platforms, worsening tensions in the region.
Expressing vehement condemnation, the ITLF denounced the killings as a heinous act perpetrated by central security forces in collusion with Meitei militants.
The group highlighted ongoing attacks by a coalition of Arambai Tenggol and UNLF militants on tribal territories, which, they claimed, have been brazenly publicised on social media platforms.
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For Kuki-Zo villagers resettled in the area following displacement due to ethnic violence, Saturday’s violence evoked grave concerns.
The forum also decried the “barbaric treatment” inflicted upon the victims’ corpses, recounting horrifying details of desecration and mutilation.
The Committee on Tribal Unity labelled the killings as a “state-sponsored clandestine attack” and criticized the State Election Commission for ignoring the increasing activities of separatist Meitei militants in valley districts, especially with the Lok Sabha elections approaching.
Amidst the turmoil, the withdrawal of approximately 50 companies of Central Armed Police Forces by the Ministry of Home Affairs ahead of the elections has stirred further apprehension.
Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah is slated to visit Manipur to campaign for the upcoming general elections on April 15.
Against the backdrop of escalating tensions, polling for Manipur’s two Lok Sabha seats is scheduled for April 19 and April 26.
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