IMPHAL | The Manipur government has handed over the investigation into the killing of two Kuki youths to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Monday.

Meeting the families of the deceased, Paoginlal Hangshing and Tingginlun Chongloi, the Chief Minister assured them that nobody involved in the killings would be spared and that all those responsible would be brought to justice.

The bodies of the two youths were recovered from a forested area in Senapati district on November 1. Both belonged to Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district and had been missing since October 28. Their bodies were recovered during a joint search operation by security forces.

During his interaction with the bereaved families, Khemchand said the investigation might take some time as authorities needed to collect and verify evidence. However, he assured them that the government would not compromise on identifying and arresting those responsible.

He also appealed to the public to cooperate with investigators and share any information that could help establish the circumstances surrounding the killings.

The families placed several demands before the Chief Minister, including the initiation of consultations with various civil society organisations (CSOs) in the aftermath of the incident. They also urged the government to make arrangements for the early funeral of the two victims.

L. Chongloi, village chief of Taphou Kuki, separately apprised the Chief Minister of the difficulties faced by residents following the killings. He also expressed concerns over the prevailing situation and the safety of villagers.

Khemchand referred to the earlier incident in which two children were killed in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district. He said the NIA had taken nearly four months to arrest the accused in that case after collecting sufficient evidence, underlining the importance of a thorough investigation.

The Chief Minister also interacted with personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed in Taphou Kuki village and appreciated their role in maintaining peace and security in the area.

The killings have triggered fresh concerns in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts, with families seeking justice and an early funeral even as the investigation moves forward. The government’s response to the demand for dialogue with civil society organisations will also be closely watched.