A team of security officials led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested two more persons for their alleged involvement in the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, taking the investigation further into the high-profile case that has triggered widespread protests across the state.

According to a statement issued by the police, the arrests were made during a joint operation carried out by the NIA, Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The two accused have been identified as Lungoulal Vaiphei, a resident of Leilon Vaiphei village, and Lunminthang Sitlhou alias Jack, a resident of Molhoi village in Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district.

Police said both were arrested for their alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of the six Naga civilians, adding that efforts are continuing to apprehend other individuals linked to the case.

The six Naga men were abducted by armed persons from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. After remaining missing for nearly a month, their bodies were recovered from the vicinity of the same village on June 10, sparking widespread outrage and protests by Naga and Meitei organisations demanding the arrest of those responsible.

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The recovery of the bodies also prompted several Naga organisations to impose an economic blockade on routes leading to Kangpokpi district, resulting in shortages and a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities in the Kuki-Zo-majority district.

The latest arrests come just a day after the NIA, along with Manipur Police and the CRPF, arrested a husband and wife from Leilon Vaiphei village on July 10 for their alleged involvement in the killings.

(with inputs from PTI)