Waari Singbul Network | 13 October 2023

Intensifying its ongoing investigation into the missing and purported killing of two Imphal students, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday arrested the mastermind in the incident from Pune.

The accused has been identified as Paolunmang (22), and with his arrest the premier investigating agency of the country has so far pulled up five persons in connection with the sensational case. On October 1, it arrested four, including two women, from Kuki-Zo-dominated Churachandpur.

Confirming  Paolunmang’s arrest, security advisor to the state government, Kuldeip Singh, however, said that as the bodies of the two have not been recovered, the nature of the case should be treated as missing.

 “Till now in the records, it is only kidnapping, unless and until you get a major portion of the body before that you cannot say that the person is killed. Because photographs appear and, in that photograph, it looks as if they are no more, that is why you are saying killing,” Kuldeip told reporters at a media conference here on Friday.

“But that is not sufficient to say that they are no more. However, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the person from Pune and interrogation is going on”, the security advisor added.

Standard 12 students – Hijam Luwangbi Chanu and Phijam Hemanjit Singh of the Sagolband Tera area in Imphal West district – have been missing since July 6.

Luwangbi was a student of TG Higher Secondary School, while Hemanjit attended Kindergarten Montessori School at Takyel. Both schools are located in Imphal.

The two were seen riding a bike at Keishampat in Imphal city around 8.15 a.m. on July 6 and CCTV footage captured their last visuals in the bike at Bishnupur district’s Nambol, sources said.

They suggested that Luwangbi’s mobile phone was last located in Kwakta, in Bishnupur bordering Churachandpur district. Hemanjit’s phone is suspected to have been used by a man staying in Churachandpur.

“We are quite pleased to hear that a mastermind in the case has been arrested by the CBI. As they (CBI) have intensified their probe, we hope they will soon arrest all other accused persons,” said Hijam Kulajit, father of Luwangbi.

“Our pangs and sorrow would be eased only after ascertaining whether my daughter is still alive or not. Assuming my child is no more after seeing the photographs which went viral on social media, we want the body for performing the last rites,” the bereaved father said.

The security advisor also mentioned the achievements of the state police and security forces in recovering arms and ammunition during their operations conducted in vulnerable areas of the state in the last few days.