CM Khemchand Visits Taphou Kuki Village, Meets Grieving Families, Assures Arrest of All Culprits as NIA Takes Over Probe

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday visited Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district and met the bereaved families of two Kuki youths allegedly abducted and subsequently killed, assuring them that all those involved in the killings would be arrested and brought to justice.

The Chief Minister met the families of Paoginlal Hangshing and Tinginlun Chongloi at the Taphou Kuki Village Authority office, where he conveyed his condolences and assured them of the government's full support during the difficult period.

Informing the families that the case had been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Khemchand assured that no perpetrator would be spared, although the investigation and arrests might take time. He also appealed to the public to extend full cooperation to the investigating agency.

Drawing a parallel with the Tronglaobi incident in Bishnupur district, the Chief Minister said the NIA had taken four months to apprehend the accused in that case after gathering sufficient evidence, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation before making arrests.

The bereaved families, meanwhile, urged the Chief Minister to initiate dialogue with civil society organisations (CSOs) and facilitate the performance of the last rites of the two youths at the earliest.

Taphou Kuki village chief L. Chongloi also apprised the Chief Minister of the hardships and prevailing security concerns confronting villagers following the incident.

The two youths reportedly went missing from Taphou Kuki village on October 28. Their bodies were recovered on November 1 during a joint search operation by security forces in neighbouring Senapati district.

The Chief Minister also interacted with CRPF personnel deployed in the village and appreciated their dedication towards maintaining peace and security in the area.