Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Investigators tracking the murder of six Naga civilians in Manipur apprehended two more suspects on July 18. A joint task force of the National Investigation Agency, Manipur Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force carried out the arrests. The accused are Lungoulal Vaiphei of Leilon Vaiphei village and Lunminthang Sitlhou, known as Jack, of Molhoi village. Both men reside in the Leimakhong area of Kangpokpi district.
This brings the total arrest count to four. On July 10, the same task force captured a couple, Pradip and Ayingbi, after what police described as a “precise operation” based on intelligence. The suspects face charges related to the abduction of the six victims on May 13. Search parties found their bodies near Leilon Vaiphei on June 10.
The killings sparked massive protests by Naga and Meitei organisations. Naga groups enforced an economic blockade on roads leading to the Kuki-Zo majority Kangpokpi district. This led to surging prices for basic goods. The case also caused friction regarding an apology from Kuki Zo Council chairman Henlienthang Thanglet. He initially labeled the killings a "grave mistake" before the council clarified his comments were purely humanitarian.
While the investigation continues, security forces found a significant stash of weapons on Saturday. The seizure occurred in the Zero Point area near Kotlen. The haul included 15 single-barrel rifles, three 9 mm pistols, one .22 rifle with a magazine, one .22 pistol, and five improvised mortars. Police also recovered 107 live rounds, 205 fired cartridge cases, four Motorola batteries, and one PEK. No arrests followed this specific arms recovery.
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