Manipur student murder case arrests: The police and army collaborated in a joint operation to apprehend the suspects in the hill district of Churachandpur, located 51 km from Imphal. This district had witnessed ethnic violence beginning on May 3.
Imphal, 01October (City Times): Manipur student murder case arrests: In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested four individuals and detained two others in connection with the brutal murder of two students in Manipur in July. This horrifying case came to light when photos of the victims were widely circulated on social media last week. The arrested individuals, including two men and two women, have been transported to Guwahati in Assam for further investigation.
Manipur student murder case arrests: Swift Capture of Suspects
The police and army collaborated in a joint operation to apprehend the suspects in the hill district of Churachandpur, located 51 km from Imphal.This district had witnessed ethnic violence beginning on May 3. Following the arrests, a CBI team swiftly arrived at the airport, where the suspects were handed over. Subsequently, they all boarded the last flight out of Imphal at approximately 5:45 pm.
Manipur student murder case arrests: Relief for the Victims’ Families
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed relief over the arrests, stating, “I’m pleased to share that some of the main culprits responsible for the abduction and murder of Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi have been arrested from Churachandpur today.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring maximum punishment, including capital punishment, for the heinous crime committed.
Manipur student murder case arrests: Background of the Case
The disturbing photos that emerged on social media featured the bodies of two students who had gone missing in July. Both victims were 17 years old. It was later revealed that the students had been sitting in the grassy compound of what appeared to be a makeshift jungle camp of an armed group. While the bodies have not yet been recovered, investigators are also looking into allegations of rape before the murders.
Ongoing Investigations
The CBI and Manipur Police had previously arrested six individuals, including two minors, in connection with this case. The murder of the two students had exacerbated the existing Kuki versus Meitei violence in the region. The victims, who were in love, were tragically killed during this period of heightened violence. Their photo surfaced on social media after the internet ban in Manipur was lifted on September 23.
Another Incident in Manipur
In a separate incident, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a person from Manipur’s Churachandpur district in connection with the June 21 Kwakta bomb blast case, which claimed the lives of three civilians. This district is located in the buffer zone between the Kuki and Meitei-dominated areas and has been marred by ethnic violence since May 3. The NIA alleges that insurgent groups, in collaboration with counterparts in Bangladesh and Myanmar, are carrying out terror attacks to create a separate state for the Chin-Kuki-Mizo tribes.
Denial by Accused’s Family
The wife of Seiminlun Gangte, one of the prime accused in the Kwakta bomb blast case, has vehemently denied the charges against her husband, calling them “fake.” She maintains that he is innocent and has no connection to the allegations made by the NIA. Prior to his arrest, Gangte worked as a private teacher and had been ferrying goods for a local school owner.
Ongoing Tensions in Manipur
These arrests come amid ongoing tensions and violence in Manipur. The NIA has accused insurgent groups of recruiting overground workers and exploiting the unrest in the region. They have alleged that these groups are collecting arms, ammunition, and explosives by unlawful means, posing a significant security challenge.
In summary, the recent arrests in the Manipur student murder case offer hope for justice in a deeply troubling case, while the broader context of ethnic violence and insurgency in the region underscores the complex challenges faced by authorities in maintaining peace and security.
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