Manipur: Kuki man found dead day after abduction

On the day after a 71-year-old Kuki man named Hemjang Haokip was allegedly abducted from his field in Kangpokpi district of Manipur, his body was discovered in a nearby forest, sources reported. Haokip, hailing from Khunkho Kuki village near Leimakhong, was identified as missing following the burning of his field hut on Saturday.

The circumstances surrounding his abduction and subsequent death remain unclear. Initial reports suggested that heavy rainfall on Saturday had kept many villagers away from their fields, leading to a delayed discovery of the incident in the evening. Villagers initiated a search for Haokip that continued until dark but were unable to locate him.

The Kuki Youth Organisation (KYO) had demanded Haokip's immediate and safe return, urging authorities to intensify the search and hold those responsible accountable. The Khunkho Kuki Village Authority had also issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Haokip's safe and unconditional release, threatening widespread democratic protests if he was not freed.

The Committee on Tribal Unity, Sadar Hills, separately called for Haokip's safe release. The Ariang (Khunkhu) Naga Village Authority clarified that neither their village nor its residents were involved in Haokip's disappearance, urging against unverified allegations and speculation that could increase mistrust and tension between the Kuki and Naga communities.

This incident unfolds amid heightened Kuki-Naga tensions in Manipur, particularly in Kangpokpi district and surrounding areas.