The Manipur government said it will ensure “swift and decisive” action after photos emerged on social media showing the bodies of two students who went missing in July.

Two Students Killed In Manipur

Disturbing photos that depict before and after gruesome killing of two students who have been gone missing since July 6 surfaced on social media. Shockwave has spread amongst public after the harrowing images got viral in social media. To prevent from any kind of protest, agitation or uproar, state government issued a press release late night in connection with the brutal killings of the two students.

The release stated that it has come to the notice of the State Government that the photos of two students, Phijam Hemjit (20 years) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17 years), who have been missing since July 2023 have surfaced on social media. This incident led to students and residents coming out on the streets to protest, during which they clashed with police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel. Reportedly, around 25 to 30 demonstrators sustained injuries.

Manipur Violence: Srinagar Top Cop Sent Back To State As Tensions Flare Up

As fresh violence gripped Manipur following the killing of two students, the union home ministry on Thursday repatriated senior Srinagar police official Rakesh Balwal to the northeastern state. “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for premature repatriation of Shri Rakesh Balwal, IPS from AGMUT cadre to Manipur cadre”.

The Manipur government is likely to adopt a “one district, one force” arrangement for better coordination and operations by security forces, as part of its efforts to restore normalcy in the northeastern state that has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 3.

Currently, more than 200 companies of various paramilitary forces are posted in the state where at least 175 people have died in various instances of violence during the ongoing ethnic tension between the Meiteis and Kukis. The country’s five paramilitary forces – CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF – along with the Assam Rifles and army are working in conjunction with the state police to restore peace and normalcy in the region.

Congress Chief’s “147 Days” Reminder To PM Modi Over Manipur Violence

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government for the prolonged tensions and violence in Manipur, which he described as a “battlefield.”