Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on November 9 met the families of two youths, Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi, at the Taphou Kuki Village Authority Office in Kangpokpi district and assured them that justice would be delivered.
During the meeting, the chief minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the government’s full support during their time of grief.
Speaking to the family members, Singh informed them that the case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for investigation. He assured them that all those responsible for the killing of the two youths would be identified and arrested, though the process may take time. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with the investigation.
Drawing a parallel with the Tronglaobi incident in Bishnupur district, the chief minister noted that the NIA had taken nearly four months to gather sufficient evidence and apprehend the accused in that case, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation.
The family members urged the chief minister to facilitate dialogue with civil society organisations (CSOs) and ensure that the last rites of the two youths could be performed at the earliest.
During the visit, Taphou Kuki village chief L. Chongloi briefed the chief minister on the difficulties being faced by residents following the tragic incident.
The two youths had reportedly gone missing from Taphou Kuki village on October 28. Their bodies were recovered on November 1 during a joint search operation conducted by security forces in neighbouring Senapati district.
The chief minister also interacted with CRPF personnel deployed in the village and commended them for their efforts in maintaining peace and security in the area.
