Thousands Rally in Kangpokpi Over Abduction of Two Kuki Youths; CoTU Submits Memorandum to Amit Shah

KANGPOKPI, October 31, 2026: Thousands of people from across Kangpokpi district took part in a protest rally on Saturday, organised under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), demanding the immediate and safe release of two Kuki-Zo civilians allegedly abducted by armed cadres of the Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM and ZUF (Kamson group).

The two youths were reportedly abducted from Taphou Kuki village on October 28.

The massive gathering assembled at Brigadier M Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi, where community leaders and the parents of the abducted youths made emotional appeals for their safe return and urged the authorities to intervene immediately.

Father Appeals for Safe Release of Sons

In an emotional appeal, Haokholet Hangshing, father of one of the abducted youths, questioned the safety of civilians travelling along National Highway-2 under the much-publicised free movement initiative.

He described the situation as a “death trap” for his sons, who have remained untraced since the alleged abduction.

“What is the meaning of free movement along National Highway-2 when we are not safe and can be abducted right on the highway?” he questioned.

Expressing anguish over the continued uncertainty surrounding his sons' whereabouts, Hangshing said his family had placed its faith in the government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.

He appealed to the authorities to trace the abducted youths and ensure their safe and unconditional release at the earliest.

The parents' appeals reflected the distress of the families as they continue to await information about the whereabouts of their loved ones.

Protest March Towards Deputy Commissioner's Office

Carrying placards and raising slogans, protesters marched along National Highway-2 towards the Deputy Commissioner's office in Kangpokpi, demanding justice and immediate government intervention.

The rally culminated in the submission of a memorandum addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi.

CoTU and the participating protesters reiterated their demand for the safe and unconditional release of the two youths.