Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Security forces have arrested two suspects in the abduction and brutal murder of six Naga men in Kangpokpi district. A joint team of the Manipur Police, National Investigation Agency, and CRPF apprehended Pradip and his wife, Ayingbi, at Leilon Vaiphei village on July 10. The victims vanished on May 13. Their dismembered remains were discovered near Leilon Vaiphei on June 10.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam promised swift justice. He stated, "We are committed to arresting the perpetrators and taking action against those who have no humanity." Investigators are actively pursuing five additional suspects. The case remains under the purview of the National Investigation Agency.
Civil society groups remain skeptical of the current arrests. The Tangkhul Naga Long labelled the move a bizarre exercise, demanding the state pursue the real culprits. COCOMI officials also alleged that authorities concealed the suspects' full identities to divert attention from the larger investigation. The killings triggered an emergency bandh along National Highway-2, leaving the region effectively landlocked for 46 days.
Violence persists despite the arrests. Arsonists recently torched three Meitei houses in Leimakhong, prompting the government to flood the area with additional CRPF personnel. The Home Minister confirmed that three individuals were arrested for the arson. Manipur is currently implementing a new security strategy involving the deployment of two CoBRA battalions to curb guerrilla warfare and restore order. As the search for the remaining suspects continues, officials maintain that public cooperation is essential to ending the cycle of ethnic violence.
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