Questions Raised Over Identity and Arrests in Investigation into the Killing of 6 Zeliangrong Nagas

Imphal: The Manipur Police said two persons identified as Pradip and Ayingbi alias Mangaih were arrested during a joint operation carried out by Manipur Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Leilon Vaiphei village in connection with the investigation of the abduction and killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians on May 13. Police said the arrests were made after witnesses identified the suspects and added that the investigation is ongoing.

However, NEWire’s review of the First Information Report (FIR) and other official records has identified some discrepancies to be clarified.

As per the FIR available for perusal, 18 persons have been specifically named as accused in the case. NEWire's review of the document showed that "Pradip" alias Pradeep was not mentioned in the list. This by itself does not rule out the possibility of his arrest as investigations may result in more suspects than the ones named in the FIR. Police said further arrests are being sought as the investigation progresses.

NEWire also examined the 2026 Summary Revision Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter register. While the police identified the female detainee as “Ayingbi alias Mangaih”, the electoral roll shows “Ayingbi” (44) and “Mangaih” (50) as two different residents of House No. 37 of Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village. It is unclear whether these records are of the same person using an alias, two different people, or if the apparent discrepancy is a result of electoral or investigative documentation. NEWire was unable to independently verify. A clarification from the investigating authorities could clear up the discrepancy.

The families of the six Zeliangrong Nagas killed in the attack are still demanding transparency in the investigation to ensure public confidence. An answer to the questions raised in the official documents examined by NEWire on the investigating agencies’ clarification on the legal basis for the recent arrests, the apparent discrepancy in the identification records, and the status of efforts to apprehend the remaining individuals named in the FIR would help.

The investigation is ongoing. “The charges against those arrested have not been tested in a court of law and no determination of guilt has been made.”