News Reporter
Manipur Authorities Mobilize to Address Ethnic Violence Amid Ongoing Crisis
Imphal, Manipur- October 01, 2023: In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made four arrests and detained two individuals in connection with the horrifying murder of two students in Manipur, a case that sent shockwaves across the region. The tragic incident, which occurred in July, recently resurfaced when photos related to the case circulated on social media.
The four individuals arrested include two men and two women, while the two detained are young girls, currently held in the state capital, Imphal. These suspects have now been transported to Guwahati, Assam, where further legal proceedings are expected to take place.
The accused have been identified as Paominlun Haokip, Malsawn Haokip, Lhingneichong Baite, and Tinneikhol. Notably, Lhingneichong Baite was a friend of one of the murdered girls, as disclosed by sources with direct knowledge of the case. It has been reported that one of the suspects may have connections to a militant group based in Churachandpur, although specific details remain undisclosed at this time.
A coordinated effort between the Manipur Police and the Indian Army culminated in the capture of these suspects in Churachandpur, a hill district situated 51 kilometers from Imphal. This district had been plagued by ethnic violence since May 3, with several Kuki insurgent groups, parties to a tripartite suspension of operations (SoO) agreement, operating in the region.
Following their apprehension, the suspects were swiftly transported to the airport, where a waiting CBI team facilitated their departure on the last flight out of Imphal, which took off at approximately 5:45 pm.
Reports indicate that upon learning of the arrests, local residents made their way towards the airport. The ensuing hour, until the plane's departure, was described as tense, with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the airport being alerted to the potential for disturbances. Thankfully, the situation remained peaceful.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh issued a statement expressing the commitment to deliver justice in this heinous crime. He underscored that no matter how far one may attempt to evade the law, they will ultimately face its long arm. Chief Minister Singh also emphasized the pursuit of maximum punishment, including capital punishment, for the culprits.
In a separate development, Chief Minister Singh informed reporters that terrorists from Myanmar and Bangladesh have collaborated with certain insurgent groups, further complicating the ongoing situation in Manipur. He characterized the current violence as a conflict between these terrorists and the state.
Recently, the National Investigation Agency arrested a terror suspect from Churachandpur in connection with a transnational conspiracy case involving terrorist leaders in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The distressing photos depicting the deceased students, who went missing in July, emerged on social media on September 26. In response, the Manipur government vowed swift action.
While the CBI has been actively investigating the case, the bodies of the two young students, both minors, have yet to be located. Investigators are also examining allegations of sexual assault that may have occurred prior to the murders.
The chilling photos, which became a focal point of the case, depicted the two 17-year-old students seated in a grassy compound, seemingly within a makeshift jungle camp associated with an armed group.
In a proactive measure, the Manipur Police had earlier appointed a former army special forces soldier to oversee combat operations as part of their efforts to address the ongoing ethnic violence. This violence, triggered by a Kuki protest against the Meiteis' demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status, has resulted in over 180 casualties and the internal displacement of thousands within the region.