NIA, Manipur Police and CRPF arrest two more accused in the Leilon Vaiphei killings, taking the total arrests in the case to four as the investigation continues.
Imphal, July 18: The investigation into the abduction and killing of six Liangmai Naga civilians has gathered further momentum with the arrest of two more accused, taking the total number of arrests in the case to four.
In a statement issued on Friday evening, Manipur Police announced that a joint team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) arrested two more accused during a coordinated operation conducted on July 18.
The newly arrested individuals have been identified as Luingoulal Vaiphei, son of Paothenkam Vaiphei, a resident of Leilon Vaiphei village in Leimakhong, Kangpokpi district, and Lumnithang Sitlhou, also known as Jack, son of Paolen Sitlhou of Molhoi village in Leimakhong.
Police stated that further efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals allegedly connected with the case.
Following investigation in the abduction and killing of 6 Naga individuals, a joint team of NIA, Manipur Police and CRPF arrested the following two accused individuals on 18.07.2026:
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) July 18, 2026
1.? ?Lungoulal Vaiphei S/O Paothenkam Vaiphei, R/o Leilon Vaiphei village, Leimakhong,…
The latest arrests come just over a week after investigators made the first breakthrough in the case. On July 10, another joint team of the NIA, Manipur Police and CRPF arrested Ayingbi alias Mangaih, daughter of Nimkhinsau, and Pradip, both residents of Leilon Vaiphei village.
According to the police, witnesses present during the abduction had identified the two accused. Search and seizure operations were also carried out following their arrests, while investigators indicated that efforts to trace additional suspects would continue.
The July 10 arrests, however, were briefly overshadowed by confusion after Manipur Police issued two separate public statements carrying differing descriptions of the identities and relationships of the accused.
The department later issued a clarification, identifying the accused as Ayingbi alias Mangaih, daughter of Nimkhinsau, and Pradip, while maintaining that both had been identified by eyewitnesses present during the abduction.
RELATED NEWS: NIA Arrests Two in 6 Naga Civilians Killings as Police Clarify Identity Amid Sharp Criticisms
The discrepancy attracted criticism on social media and prompted questions regarding the investigation. The case stems from the abduction of 18 Liangmai Naga civilians from Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei on May 13 amid continuing ethnic violence in the state. Twelve women who had been abducted were released two days later, on May 15. However, six men remained missing despite sustained search efforts by security forces.
On June 10, the bodies of the six victims were recovered in a mutilated condition, triggering widespread outrage across Manipur. The killings led to sustained protests by Naga civil society organisations, including an inter-district economic blockade demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. Several Meitei organisations also extended support to the demand for justice, with members of both communities participating in demonstrations.
The mortal remains of the six victims continue to be kept at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary as protests over the incident continue.
Following the recovery of the bodies, security forces carried out extensive search operations in and around Leilon Vaiphei between June 20 and June 22. Although weapons and other materials were reportedly recovered during those operations, no arrests were made at the time.
The July 10 arrests marked the first breakthrough in the investigation, while Friday's operation represents the second major development in the case and indicates that investigators are expanding the probe to identify all those allegedly involved.
The case has also remained in the public spotlight after Kuki-Zo Council Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet reportedly claimed responsibility for the killings during a press conference in June. Investigating agencies, however, have not publicly stated whether that claim forms part of the ongoing investigation.
The initial arrests also drew political attention. Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam questioned the direction of the investigation through a social media post, asking why only two persons with what he described as "Meitei roots" had been arrested despite allegations that multiple individuals were involved.
Meanwhile, the Senjam Chirang Kounu Leima Chanura Marup issued a statement rejecting claims circulating online that the two initially arrested accused belonged to Senjam Chirang. The organisation described the allegations as false and alleged that they were intended to create misunderstanding and hostility among communities.
With four arrests now made, investigators have reiterated that operations are continuing to trace and apprehend all remaining suspects connected with one of the most high-profile criminal investigations arising from the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
