Manipur: 2 Kuki villagers killed, bodies dumped near Thawai
Two Kuki civilians were found dead near Thawai Kuki village on Thursday; their bodies were battered and post-mortems and investigations are underway to determine cause and timing of death.
Following allegations that armed miscreants, purportedly linked to the NSCN-IM, opened fire on paddy farmers at Thawai Kuki village, villagers fought back until security forces stepped in to stop the violence.
In response, Kuki volunteers took 20 hostages
In response, Kuki volunteers took 20 hostages, including an Army jawan, to demand the release of two missing villagers.
While one managed to escape with a leg injury, the bodies of Athipa Thengin Baite and Sopi Thangboimang were later found near the village.
A murder case has been filed and postmortems are ongoing.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for calm and urged the safe return of all hostages; security remains tight as authorities consider handing the case to the NIA due to ongoing ethnic tensions.