Two missing men found dead in Manipur's Kamjong, CM assures NIA probe

Two men who had gone missing in Manipur’s Kamjong district were found dead in a forested area on Thursday, officials said, sparking tension in the region and prompting the state government to order a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The deceased were identified as Thangboimang Khongsai (35) from Shangkai village in Ukhrul district and Thengin Baite (40) from nearby Thawai Kuki village. According to villagers, the two had gone to a forest area on Wednesday to repair water pipelines but failed to return home.

Their bodies were later recovered a short distance apart by villagers and security personnel on Thursday morning.

Officials said the incident occurred amid heightened tension in the area following reports of a gunfight between armed groups in the Mapithel hill range on Wednesday. Around the same time, 21 Tangkhul Naga civilians , including women and children, were allegedly detained by villagers and armed men from Shangkai. They were released hours later after intervention by authorities and community leaders.

Soon after the bodies were discovered, protests broke out in the region. A police vehicle was attacked by a mob at Mongkot Chepu in Ukhrul district around 10 am, damaging the vehicle, officials said. Irate villagers in Shangkai also blocked the Ukhrul–Imphal road using stones and boulders to protest the killings.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh informed the Assembly that the case would be handed over to the NIA for a thorough investigation.

In a post on X, Singh said the government would ensure a fair probe and provide compensation to the victims’ families.

“The government will hand over the case related to the death of two individuals at Thawai Kuki village to the NIA for a thorough and impartial investigation. Ex gratia will also be provided to the bereaved families as per government norms,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring justice.

Security forces have been deployed in the area as authorities monitor the situation closely to prevent further escalation.