Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Imphal: The National Investigation Agency officially took charge of the murder probe into three church leaders killed last month. Federal agents stepped in after the Union Home Ministry flagged the case for its national security implications. They suspect a major conspiracy is behind the bloodshed.
Militants ambushed two vehicles in Kangpokpi district on May 13. The victims were returning from a Thadou Baptist Association congregation in Churachandpur. Three Kuki men died instantly. Four others caught gunfire and suffered injuries.
The ministry viewed the attack as a calculated move to spread panic. Officials stated the ambush was an "attempt to instill fear and terror among civilians."
Local police started the investigation immediately after the shooting. The NIA now oversees the hunt for the killers. Manipur remains volatile after ethnic fighting between Meitei and Kuki groups started in May 2023. This ongoing violence has caused at least 260 deaths and forced thousands from their homes.
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