Manipur: Tension in Imphal West after missing Pangal man's body found

Guwahati: Tension gripped parts of Meitei-dominated Imphal West district of strife-torn Manipur on Tuesday after the body of a physically challenged man, who remained missing since June 10, was recovered.

The victim belonged to the Meitei Muslim community, locally called Pangals. Police said a probe was underway to ascertain the cause behind the killing.

A crowd pelted stones at the security forces during a protest staged against the killing at Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West soon after the security forces exhumed the body of the victim, Chesam Abdul Kadir, on Tuesday morning. The security forces had to fire tear gas shells in order to control the protesters.

The Pangals, who constitute about 9 per cent of Manipur's population, have suffered a lot due to the conflict involving the Meitei and the Kuki communities since May 2023. Some died, while houses of many were burnt during the conflict. They remained out of the conflict but the killing of Kadir resulted in anger among the Pangals.

Arambai Tenggol

Police said six members of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei radical group, and three others were arrested for their alleged involvement in the killing. Police said a drive was underway to make a few more arrests.

United Meitei Pangal Committee, Manipur, issued a statement condemning the incident and demanded justice for the family of the victim. It said the killing was an attack to disturb the communal harmony among the Meiteis and the Pangals.