A 71-year-old farmer, Hemjang Haokip, who had been missing since October 3 after he was allegedly abducted from his farm, was found dead in a forested area of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Sunday. His body was recovered with his hands and legs tied with a rope, according to villagers. Haokip was a resident of Khunkho Kuki village.

Villagers said Haokip was allegedly taken from a hut located at his farm on October 3 by suspected insurgents. He had remained untraceable since then, prompting local residents to begin a search for him. The disappearance raised concern in the area, with efforts later expanding to include police and central security forces.

The search operation intensified after Haokip’s clothes were discovered earlier on Sunday. Central security personnel deployed sniffer dogs to assist in tracing his whereabouts. The operation eventually led search teams to a remote area deep inside a jungle, where they located the farmer’s body during the afternoon.

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Police from Leimakhong and central forces were involved in the search after the initial efforts by villagers. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding Haokip’s death and determine who was responsible for his alleged abduction. The recovery has also added to concerns over security in the region, which has witnessed continued tensions and violence.

Sources said the body may be kept at a hospital morgue in Churachandpur district, some distance from Kangpokpi. Members of the Kuki community have reportedly not accepted the body pending identification and action against those responsible. The development comes as arson was also reported on Sunday night in hill areas falling under the Leimakhong police station jurisdiction.

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