Four individuals have been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the kidnapping and killing of two young individuals from Manipur. The arrested individuals include the wife of the main suspect. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has assured the public that the government will ensure they receive the maximum punishment for their crimes.
According to officials, two minor girls, aged 11 and 9, were briefly detained in relation to the case but have since been released. These girls happen to be the daughters of the main accused.
The victims, 20-year-old Phijam Hemanjit and 17-year-old Hijam Linthoingambi, had gone missing on July 6. Disturbing photos of their bodies surfaced on September 25, leading to widespread protests, particularly among students.
The CBI made the arrests in the Henglep area of Churachandpur district. The suspects were taken out of the state via a special flight, although their exact destination was not disclosed by the chief minister.
During the operation to apprehend the accused, the Army, paramilitary forces such as the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), as well as state police, played a crucial role, as stated by Chief Minister Singh during a press conference. A team of CBI officials, led by Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, has arrived in Manipur to investigate the killings.
Singh expressed his commitment to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime face the harshest punishment, including capital punishment if necessary. He stated on social media platform X, just before the press conference, that no matter how hard individuals try to escape the law, they will ultimately face justice.
The government is fully supportive of the CBI’s investigation and aims to arrest all individuals involved in the killing of the two youths. The spread of photographs depicting their deceased bodies on social media triggered violent protests in Manipur’s capital on September 26 and 27. Security forces successfully thwarted an attempt by a mob to attack the chief minister’s ancestral house on the night of September 28.
Another mob targeted the deputy commissioner’s office in Imphal West district, which has been grappling with ethnic conflicts for nearly five months. Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey visited the families of the two slain youths on September 29.
The state of Manipur has seen over 180 fatalities and numerous injuries since ethnic clashes erupted on May 3. The clashes began after a Tribal Solidarity March took place in the hill districts, protesting against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Meiteis comprise approximately 53% of Manipur’s population and predominantly inhabit the Imphal Valley. The remaining 40% consists of tribal groups, including Nagas and Kukis, who reside in the hill districts.
