Violent protests in Manipur over the killing of teenagers
Guwahati:
A CBI team will visit the Manipur capital tomorrow to expedite investigations in the case of brutal murder of two minors who went missing in July, Prime Minister N. Biren Singh announced late evening.
The Chief Minister assured the people that his government, along with the Center, is working to arrest the perpetrators.
In light of the disturbing news that emerged yesterday regarding the tragic death of the missing students, I would like to assure the people of the state that both the state and the central government are working closely to nab the perpetrators.
For this crucial…
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) September 26, 2023
Earlier today, the mobile internet ban was reinstated amid violent protests against the killings after photos of the bodies went viral on social media. In addition, all schools in the state are closed until Friday.
Mobile internet services, which were suspended when ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in early May, were restored after more than four months from September 23.
Hundreds of students tried to march to N Biren Singh’s residence but were intercepted by security forces, who fired tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd. At least 34 students, including girls, were injured.
The two students whose deaths have sparked new tensions in the state have been missing since July 6.
The photos that emerged on social media show the two students sitting on the grassy grounds of what appears to be an armed group’s makeshift jungle camp. The girl wears a white T-shirt while her friend, with a backpack and a checked shirt, watches. Two men with guns are clearly visible behind them. In the next photo you can see their bodies slumped on the ground.
The two youths were identified as Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi.
Police had earlier said the whereabouts of the two were unknown and their mobile phones were found switched off.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since early May.
