Manipur: CBI Arrests Alleged Mastermind Behind Disappearance of Two Students

GUWAHATI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a 22-year-old man believed to be the mastermind behind the case of two missing Manipuri students, who were suspected to have been killed.

A special investigation team from the CBI detained Paolunmang in Pune on Wednesday and subsequently transported him to Guwahati to appear in court. The special court has remanded him to CBI custody until October 16.

The CBI strongly suspects that Paolunmang played a pivotal role in the case. Earlier, on October 1, the central agency had arrested two men, Paominlun Haokip and Smalsawm Haokip, along with two women, Lhingneichong Baitekuki and Tinneilhing Henthang. The disappearance of Phijam Hemanjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi, a 17-year-old girl, on July 6 had sparked protests after photos allegedly showing their deceased bodies appeared on September 25. These events led to widespread and often violent demonstrations, primarily by students.

A violent attack allegedly carried out by armed miscreants in the Yaingangpokpi and Seijang areas of Imphal East resulted in injuries to at least two village volunteers and seven Meira Paibis, who were reportedly lathi-charged by army and paramilitary forces. All the wounded individuals are currently undergoing medical treatment in various hospitals.

The incident transpired around 3 am on October 12 when armed miscreants from Twichin Kuki Village and Monomphai Village advanced towards a brick-field located between Sabungkhok Khunou and Twichi Kuki village. These miscreants initiated indiscriminate gunfire towards Sabungkhok Khunou, prompting a response from state, central forces, and village volunteers.

The exchange of fire persisted until 9 am, as the armed miscreants continued firing towards the Meitei village. The attack later resumed, lasting until 1 pm and resulting in injuries to two village volunteers. Simultaneously, a heated argument erupted between army and paramilitary forces and Meira Paibi at Saabungkhok Khunou and Seijang areas of Manipur when the forces reportedly halted an ambulance dispatched to evacuate village volunteers.

After some time, the ambulance was permitted to proceed. However, the situation remained tense, leading to a gathering of womenfolk on the road. In an effort to disperse the crowd, the forces initially used smoke bombs and subsequently resorted to lathi-charging, injuring seven individuals who were subsequently admitted to different hospitals.

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