In a tragic development in Manipur’s Kamjong district, two Kuki men, who had been missing since Wednesday, were found dead in a forest near Thawai Kuki village on Thursday. The deceased have been identified as 42-year-old Thengin Baite and 35-year-old Thangboimang Khongsai, hailing from nearby villages. Their disappearance has sparked outrage and heightened tensions in the region.

According to local authorities, the men were reportedly abducted by armed civilians from the Tangkhul Naga community. This claim was made by the Shangkai Village Authority, which accused “village volunteers” of firing on villagers working in their fields. The two men had gone to fix a water pipeline when the incident occurred. The authority expressed grave concerns over the safety of the missing individuals, leading to public protests that halted traffic along the Ukhrul road.

Interestingly, the conflict in Manipur has been brewing since ethnic clashes erupted between the Kuki-Zo-Hmars and Meiteis communities back in May 2023. Since then, the term “village volunteers” has come to describe armed groups of civilians who have taken it upon themselves to defend their communities. This situation has created a volatile atmosphere, with both sides accusing each other of violence.

Amid these rising tensions, reports have emerged of several Tangkhul Naga individuals allegedly being abducted by Kuki persons while traveling on the Ukhrul-Imphal route. The Tangkhul Naga Long, the apex body representing the Tangkhul community, has condemned these acts, adding fuel to an already heated situation.

As the government grapples with restoring peace, the deaths of the two Kuki men serve as a somber reminder of the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur. Communities are now being urged to exercise restraint, but with emotions running high, the road to reconciliation remains challenging.