Manipur Police intensifies security operations after two youths were killed in Senapati, identifies over 30 accused and plans poppy destruction across 516 villages.
Imphal, Nov. 10: Manipur Police has intensified search and security operations following the abduction and killing of two youths from Taphou Kuki village in Senapati district on October 28, with authorities saying that several individuals suspected of involvement have been identified.
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo disclosed this during a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Imphal on Tuesday. He said police had gathered intelligence and physical evidence and conducted detailed technical analysis to identify those who may have been involved in the killings.
The two victims, identified as Paoginlal Hangsing, 20, and Thangginlun Chongloi, 20, were abducted on October 28 and were last seen near Marenmei village in Senapati district.
According to the ADGP, police immediately registered an FIR, examined witnesses and questioned a large number of people following the incident. Intensive search operations were subsequently launched under the supervision of senior officers, involving combined teams of Manipur Police, CRPF, Cobra, DSF, Assam Rifles and the Army.
The bodies of the two youths were eventually recovered from a jungle area along the Senapati-Phaibung Road, approximately 14 kilometres east of National Highway 2.
Lhatoo described the killings as a heinous and unprovoked crime and said the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He added that search operations were continuing daily to apprehend those responsible.
He also informed that the Manipur Government's proposal to transfer the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was at an advanced stage, with the necessary orders awaited.
The ADGP also referred to a separate firing incident near Tapon Liangmai village involving individuals carrying sophisticated weapons.
He said an FIR had been registered and an investigation was underway. Security arrangements had also been strengthened in the affected areas, with redeployment plans being prepared wherever necessary.
Lhatoo further informed that Director General of Police Mukesh Singh had undertaken an extensive two-day tour of Noney and Tamenglong districts to review highway security issues and interact with various stakeholders regarding the prevailing situation.
Following the visit, additional CRPF companies requisitioned from the Centre are expected to reach Manipur shortly. Their deployment will cover vulnerable areas, including Lhasaan, Govajang, Lanka and Tamei.
He said CRPF personnel had already moved into Chalwa as part of the deployment process.
However, the ADGP pointed out that inadequate accommodation and basic infrastructure in interior areas were creating difficulties for the deployment of security forces. Facilities such as washrooms, drinking water and electricity remain major challenges.
He said police were coordinating with local stakeholders to expedite construction and ensure that security personnel could be stationed in these locations.
On the issue of extortion along National Highway 37, Lhatoo said police and security forces were continuing to provide security to convoys, vehicles and goods transported along the highway.
He acknowledged the efforts of district administrations, police personnel, security forces and community leaders in addressing illegal collections.
According to him, village authorities of Kaiphundai, Longkao, Oinamlong, Kaimai and Sibilong had issued press releases distancing themselves from any form of taxation or illegal collection.
The ADGP urged other communities along National Highway 37 and other highways in the state to take similar steps and ensure that such commitments were strictly implemented.
He also appealed to the public not to obstruct police and security forces when action was taken against individuals involved in extortion.
Lhatoo said cooperation from community leaders and local authorities was necessary to prevent illegal collections and ensure the safe movement of people and goods.
Manipur Police has also finalised a plan to destroy poppy plantations across 516 villages in 10 districts, with assistance from security forces deployed in the respective areas.
The ADGP called for public cooperation in the campaign, describing poppy cultivation as a criminal practice associated with environmental destruction, chemical contamination, public health concerns and the financing of crime and conflict.
He warned that anyone found involved in poppy cultivation would face legal consequences. The warning also extended to landowners on whose land such plantations were found.
During the press conference, Lhatoo disclosed that more than 30 accused persons had been identified in connection with some of the most serious crimes committed in the state, including cases related to investigations by the NIA.
These cases involve abductions, killings, including those of women, children and religious leaders, attacks in fringe areas and ambushes targeting security forces.
He said sustained and intensified operations would be undertaken against all elements involved in such activities, without fear or favour.
The police would pursue all necessary legal and operational measures to bring those involved in killings, extortion and intimidation to justice, he added.
Reiterating the role of police and security forces in maintaining peace and preventing further violence, the ADGP said attacks against security personnel would not be tolerated.
He urged all sections of society to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and appealed to the public to remain calm and exercise restraint rather than take the law into their own hands.
Lhatoo also cautioned against circulating unverified information, rumours or provocative content on social media, warning that such activities could aggravate the situation and attract strict legal action.
The public has been advised to report suspicious activities or relevant information promptly to the nearest police station or the central control room.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Manipur Police to maintaining peace and ensuring a secure environment across the state.
