2 Kuki youths killed, tension in Manipur

IMPHAL, DEC 23: High tension prevailed today in Manipur following the lynching of two Kuki youths, said to be students of NEHU, Shillong by villagers of Nungbrang in Thoubal district on Tuesday.
A lightning bandh on National Highway 39 was imposed today by people living in Sardar Hills area and many vehicles were damaged by protestors. However, the bandh was relaxed after the State Government assured to initiate action to book the culprits by December 31.
 On Tuesday, villagers of Nungbrang in Thoubal district staged a sit-protest and called for a bandh in protest against the monetary demand letters served by a Kuki underground group. Reports said that some Kuki militants, who came in a vehicle were prevented by bandh supporters. In the tussle the UG cadres reportedly opened blank-fire but in the process three women of Nungbrang village were injured. Thereafter, a furious mob stated intensifying the bandh. At the moment the two Kuki youths came along in an auto-rickshaw and the mob chased them and then lynched them. However, villagers of the two slain youths claimed that Paosat Kipgen was a degree student and Paolal Chongloi was doing his Masters at NEHU, Shillong and they had come back home to Manipur for Christmas. (Newmai News Network)