Imphal: Two men who had gone missing while working in a forested area of Kamjong district were found dead on Thursday, prompting the Government of Manipur to order a probe by the National Investigation Agency.
Officials identified the deceased as Thangboimang Khongsai (35) from Shangkai in Ukhrul district and Thengin Baite (40) from nearby Thawai Kuki village.
According to villagers, the two men had gone to repair water pipelines in a forest area on Wednesday but failed to return home, raising concern among locals.
Their bodies were later recovered at a short distance from each other by villagers and security personnel.
The recovery came hours after 21 Tangkhul Naga civilians, who had reportedly been detained by villagers and armed individuals from Shangkai, were released.
Addressing the issue in the state Assembly, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the case would be handed over to the NIA for a thorough investigation.
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He also announced that ex gratia assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased in accordance with government norms.
In a post on social media platform X, the chief minister stated that the government was committed to ensuring justice and maintaining law and order while upholding the rule of law in the state.
Tensions escalated in the area following the recovery of the bodies. Around 10 am, a police vehicle was attacked by a mob at Mongkot Chepu in Ukhrul district, leaving one vehicle damaged, officials said.
Protesters in Shangkai village also blocked the Ukhrul–Imphal road using stones and boulders to protest the killings.
