Imphal, Oct 30 Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on Friday urged authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace the two Kuki youths who went missing from Kangpokpi district two days ago.
Kipgen, in a statement, condemned the alleged abduction of the two youths from the vicinity of Taphou Kuki village on Wednesday evening.
The two men, identified as T Chongloi (21) and Paoginlal Hangsing (20), were allegedly abducted by unknown miscreants, she said.
“It is deeply distressing that young lives are being put at risk in this manner. I urge the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace their whereabouts and secure their safe and unconditional release at the earliest. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice,” she said.
Kipgen also appealed to everyone to maintain restraint and calm, and not let cycles of violence happen.
Meanwhile, a 48-hour shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) in Kangpokpi district over the alleged abductions affected vehicular movement along NH-2.
The shutdown, which began at 5 pm on Thursday, also led to the closure of markets and business establishments.
COTU alleged that the two youths were abducted by “Naga militants”.
More than 50 people have been killed and dozens of houses burnt across Tamenglong, Noney, Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts since ethnic clashes broke out between Kuki and Naga communities in February this year.
(PTI News)
