Significant Arrests Made in Naga Civilian Killings Case in Manipur
Major Developments in Naga Civilian Killings Investigation
The joint team carried out a targeted operation in Leilon Vaiphei village, where the two suspects were apprehended.
IMPHAL, July 9: In a significant advancement regarding the investigation into the deaths of six Naga civilians, a collaborative effort by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Manipur Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) led to the arrest of two individuals believed to be connected to the abduction and murder of the victims in Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13.
The suspects have been named as Pradip and Ayingbi, both of whom reside in Leilon Vaiphei village.
As per the Police Control Room (PCR), the operation commenced early Thursday morning following reliable intelligence. The joint team executed a focused operation in Leilon Vaiphei village, resulting in the capture of the two suspects.
Authorities reported that appropriate search and seizure protocols were followed during the operation, and legal procedures are currently in progress.
This development represents a crucial breakthrough in one of the most sensitive cases stemming from the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur.
The case involves the abduction and subsequent murder of six Naga civilians from Konsakhul village, who were reportedly kidnapped on May 13 and later discovered deceased in Leilon Vaiphei village. The incident has incited widespread anger within the Naga community and has been condemned by various civil society groups and political figures.
The six deceased individuals remain at the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal, as Naga civil society organizations have declined to claim the bodies until all perpetrators are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.
Since the discovery of the bodies, Naga women have been holding a continuous vigil at the JNIMS premises, mourning the victims alongside their families while demanding accountability.
The killings have also led to a prolonged political and humanitarian crisis in the region. Naga organizations initiated an economic blockade seeking justice, while subsequent blockades and counter-blockades by various communities have hindered the flow of essential goods, particularly through Kangpokpi district, exacerbating tensions and delaying the return to normalcy.
The arrests occurred shortly after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh conducted a confidence-building visit to Senapati and Kangpokpi districts, where he engaged with leaders from the Naga, Kuki, and Meitei communities.