Manipur civilian killings under investigation efforts on to identify accused Police

Imphal, Nov 6 (PTI) Manipur Police on Friday said recent incidents of civilian killings were under thorough investigation and efforts were underway to identify those involved.

    The statement came days after the mutilated bodies of two youths, who had gone missing last week from the vicinity of Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, were found in a hilly area of adjoining Senapati district on Sunday.

    The bodies, found stuffed in gunny bags at a banana farm during an operation to trace the missing youths, were identified as those of T Chongloi (21) and Paoginlal Hangsing (20).

    "Regarding the unfortunate recent incidents of arson and killings of civilians, the cases are under thorough investigation. Efforts are underway to identify the accused, while witnesses are being located and questioned," the police said in a statement.

    "Further, joint teams of police, CoBRA, CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles and the Army are conducting operations, including intelligence-based operations, in the affected areas to take action as per law and punish the perpetrators of such heinous crimes," it said.

    Necessary action was also being taken in coordination with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the statement said, adding that the police and all security forces were treating the matter with utmost concern.

    "Security measures have been put in place, and the situation is being closely monitored," it said.

    Police have appealed to the public to remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)