Correspondent
IMPHAL, NOV 9 (NPN): The Manipur government has handed over the investigation into the abduction and killing of two Kuki youths to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced during a visit to the victims’ village on Monday.
The two victims, Thangginlun Chongloi (21) and Paoginlal Hangsing (20), residents of Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, were allegedly abducted while returning from the Hengbung police outpost along National Highway-2 on October 28. Their bodies were later recovered on November 1.
The chief minister met the bereaved families during a brief stop at Taphou Kuki village while returning to Imphal from a visit to Senapati district. Expressing his condolences, Singh assured the families that the government would extend all necessary support and ensure justice in the case.
Informing them that the investigation had been transferred to the NIA, the chief minister said all those involved in the killings would be brought to justice, although the process could take time. He appealed to the public to cooperate with investigators in order to facilitate a thorough inquiry.
Recalling the Tronglaobi incident in Bishnupur district, Singh noted that the NIA had taken around four months to arrest the accused after gathering sufficient evidence, emphasizing the importance of a meticulous investigation.
During the meeting, family members urged the chief minister to initiate dialogue with civil society organisations and take steps to ensure the early conduct of the victims’ last rites.
The mortal remains of the two youths continue to be kept at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) mortuary in Imphal. The Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has declined to accept the bodies until its demands to the government are addressed. The organisation had earlier imposed a total shutdown in the district, which was later temporarily suspended for seven days.
Village chief L. Chongloi briefed the chief minister on the situation faced by residents following the incident. Singh also interacted with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed in the village and commended their efforts in maintaining peace and security in the area.
The transfer of the case to the NIA is expected to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for the killings.