Imphal: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take over the investigation into the killing of a couple at Tollen village in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The decision came after mounting public pressure and an ultimatum issued by Kuki-Zo civil society organisations seeking a central investigation into the killings.
The transfer of the case was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between government officials, including the Tamenglong Superintendent of Police and the Tousem Sub-Divisional Officer, and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) constituted in response to the killings.
The couple, Seikhoneh Singsit and Lhingjangai Singsit, were killed in an armed attack at Tollen on September 13. Their deaths left their four children, aged 12, 10, 7 and 4, without parents. The youngest child was also critically injured in the attack.
Under the six-point handwritten agreement, the government assured the JAC that the case would be handed over to the NIA without delay.
The administration also agreed to bear the medical expenses of the injured child until recovery, provide immediate ex-gratia assistance to the bereaved family and arrange long-term rehabilitation and financial support for the four children until they attain adulthood.
The MoU further provides for the deployment of adequate Central security forces in vulnerable areas, including Tollen, Kaimai and Thingtuhbung-Kulbung, to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.
Both sides agreed that the commitments outlined in the agreement would be implemented within 30 days. The government also accepted responsibility for any further incidents if the agreed measures were not carried out within the stipulated period.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region following consecutive attacks in Tollen and Longpi villages, in which four civilians were killed.
Before the agreement was reached, the Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney (Kuki Inpi JTN), along with other civil society organisations, had called for stringent action against those responsible for the attacks and stronger security arrangements in vulnerable Kuki-Zo settlements.