The Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh on Sunday told media persons that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested four persons from Henglep, Churachandpur district in connection with the brutal killing of Phijam Hemajit and Hijam Linthoingambi. The two Meitei youths were reported missing on 6th July and purported photos of their bodies surfaced on social media nearly two months later.
Singh also took to X to announce 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.
As the saying goes, one may abscond after committing the crime, but they cannot escape the long hands of the law. We are committed to ensuring maximum punishment, including capital punishment, for the heinous crime they have committed.”
Those four arrested have been named as Paominlun Haokip, S Malsawn Haokip, Lhingneichong Baite and Tinnuphing, all from Kuki-Zo community.
According to a statement from CMO, the CM also lauded the swift action taken by the CBI team including Army, Paramilitary forces and the State Police in nabbing the accused. He reiterated the firm stance of the State Government to make sure that the culprits are given stringent punishment as per law, it added.
N Biren Singh further expressed concern of the public’s negative opinion of Manipur Police public for their act in mob control and reminded the public that the “State forces including Manipur Police, IRB and Manipur Rifles were the one fighting in the frontline against armed miscreants in the periphery areas.”
He also urged the public to obey the rule of the law while carrying out protests and rallies, stating that if rules are followed, misunderstanding and confrontation between protesters and security forces could be avoided.
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