Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has assured the families of two youths whose bodies were recovered in Senapati district that those responsible for their killing would be brought to justice, confirming that the case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The Chief Minister gave the assurance during a visit to Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district on Monday, where he met the bereaved families of Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi.
Meeting the families at the Taphou Kuki Village Authority Office, Khemchand Singh expressed his condolences and assured them of the government’s support. He said the investigation could take time but maintained that all those involved in the killings would be arrested.
The Chief Minister urged residents to cooperate with the investigation, citing the Tronglaobi incident in Bishnupur district. He said the NIA had taken four months to identify and arrest the accused in that case after gathering sufficient evidence.
During the meeting, the families urged the Chief Minister to initiate dialogue with civil society organisations (CSOs) and facilitate the conduct of the two youths’ last rites at the earliest.
Taphou Kuki village chief L Chongloi also briefed the Chief Minister on the difficulties faced by residents following the incident.
Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi, both residents of Taphou Kuki village, had reportedly been missing since October 28. Their bodies were recovered on November 1 during a joint search operation by security forces in neighbouring Senapati district.
Khemchand Singh also interacted with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed in the village and acknowledged their role in maintaining security in the area.