Manipur Students’ Killing: ‘Main Culprits’ Arrested; CM Assures Capital Punishment

Imphal: Four people were arrested on Sunday in connection with the killing of two Meitei students who were in a relationship and trying to elope.

“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,” Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced in a post on X.

“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 CM said.

The 17-year-old girl and 20-year-old man were killed on July 6 when the Meitei couple was spotted by armed Kuki militants, who abducted them and took them to an unknown destination before executing them, according to the Manipur Police report on the killings.

A group of Kuki village volunteers in Joupi village reportedly asked the couple to return to their area before they were abducted.

A photo of the killed duo surfaced recently on social media, after internet ban was lifted last week, triggering fresh protests and violence.