Manipur: 2 missing Meitei students presumed killed after photos surface
What's the story
Photos of two Meitei students, who went missing near Bishnupur on July 6, have surfaced on social media days after mobile internet was restored in Manipur. The state government has promised to take action against those responsible for their kidnapping and killing, adding that the case is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This is one of the many cases witnessed in Manipur amid the ethnic violence between the tribal Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 3.
Insights
Manipur government pledges justice, urges restraint
The two students have been identified as Hijam Linthoingambi (17) and Phijam Hemjit (20). In one of the viral photos, they were seen sitting helplessly with armed men in the background. Another image reportedly shows their bodies in a forest area, with Hemjit's head missing. In response to the distressing images, the Manipur government issued a statement, assuring "swift and decisive action." The government has also asked the public to exercise restraint and let the authorities conduct the investigation.
Twitter Post
Full statement by Manipur Chief Minister's Office
Press Release from Chief Minister’s Secretariat. pic.twitter.com/Z7ds64Pas8
— CMO Manipur (@manipur_cmo) September 26, 2023
What Next?
Union Minister Amit Shah intervenes, assures support
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly spoke to Chief Minister N Biren Singh over the issue soon after the pictures went viral. He assured support and action by central security agencies. This case is among 11 cases related to violence against women being investigated by the CBI. The Manipur government stated that the state police, in collaboration with central security agencies, are actively investigating the case to identify the perpetrators responsible for the students' disappearance and murder.
About
Father's complaint leads to disturbing discovery
On July 19, the father of one of the victims filed a complaint at Imphal Police Station about his missing minor daughter. In his complaint, he stated that his daughter went missing on July 6 from a coaching center. The police investigation revealed that she left the center with a male friend on a motorcycle. The Manipur government's status report submitted to the Supreme Court in August suggests that "Kuki armed miscreants" may have abducted the two friends.
Violence
Know about Manipur violence
Ethnic violence erupted in May following a high court order directing the state government to consider including the Meitei community on the list of Scheduled Tribes. The violence began on May 3, and around 180 people have been killed and thousands have been displaced since then. Meiteis—constituting 53% of Manipur's population—are concerned about the large-scale illegal immigrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh. Whereas tribal Kukis and Nagas—almost 40% of the population—are worried about losing their ancestral lands.