Several culprits have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing of two Manipuri youngsters last week, which sparked violent demonstrations in the northeastern state, said Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday, news agency PTI reported. According to Singh, the government would guarantee that they face the harshest punishment possible, including the death sentence.
Taking to X (previously known as Twitter), CM Singh stated: "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."
Speaking with media, Manipur CM N Biren Singh said: "In a major breakthrough today, we have arrested the main culprits responsible for the abduction and murder of two youths in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had sent the Special Director of CBI along with some senior officers to Manipur and today with the support of the Indian Army, Paramilitary forces, Assam Rifles and State Police, we have arrested 4 accused from Churachandpur in this case. This is a huge achievement. I want to thank NIA, CBI and all Central forces."
The two young people, a boy and a girl, went missing on July 6. On September 25, photos of their bodies appeared.
Following this, on September 26 and 27, the state capital was shaken by violent student protests. On the night of September 28, a crowd attempted to assault the chief minister's ancestral home, but security personnel prevented the attack.
In the early hours of the same day, another crowd vandalised the deputy commissioner's office in Imphal West district and set fire to two four-wheelers.