Imphal, 01 November (H.S.): Two bodies were recovered on Sunday during an extensive

joint search operation in Manipur, launched following the disappearance of two

persons from Taphou Kuki village on October 28.

The recovery was made by a joint team comprising Manipur

Police, CoBRA, CRPF, Assam Rifles and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during a

search operation in the general area east of National Highway-2, along the SP

Road.

The operation was part of a series of coordinated search and

combing exercises undertaken by security forces since the disappearance was

reported.

The teams carried out an extensive search of the surrounding

areas in an effort to trace the missing persons and establish the circumstances

behind the incident.

The two missing youths were identified in earlier reports as

21-year-old Thangginlun Chongloi and 20-year-old Paoginlal Hangsing, both

residents of Taphou Kuki village.

They were reportedly last seen around 4.30 pm on October 28

near the 9th Manipur Rifles/Maremei area while returning from Hengbung Police

Outpost. An FIR was registered at Senapati Police Station in connection with

their disappearance.

The incident had triggered widespread concern in Kangpokpi

district, with the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) calling a 48-hour shutdown

from October 29, demanding the safe and unconditional release of the two

youths.

The organisation also organised a protest rally on October

31, pressing authorities to intervene and ensure accountability.

Police have not yet disclosed the identities of the

recovered bodies or confirmed whether they are those of the two missing youths.

The necessary legal formalities are underway, while security

forces are continuing search and combing operations to establish the

circumstances surrounding the incident and identify and apprehend those

responsible.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhijit Deb