A team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will visit the Manipur capital today after fresh protests erupted over the "kidnapping and killing" of two students who went missing in the northeastern state on July 6. The photos of the bodies of the two students surfaced on social media on Monday, days after mobile internet was restored in the violence-hit state.
The team of officials led by the agency's Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, will also include Joint Director Ghanshyam Upadhyay, who is camping in Imphal. In a post on X, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, "To further expedite this crucial investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director, along with a specialised team, will be arriving in Imphal tomorrow morning in a special flight. Their presence underscores the commitment of our authorities to swiftly resolve this matter. I have been constantly in touch with Hon'ble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice."
Photos of the bodies of the two students -- Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17) -- who were missing since July, went viral on social media on Monday. Police had previously said the whereabouts of the two were not known and their mobile phones were found switched off. The last location of their handsets was traced at Lamdan, near the winter flower tourist spot in Churachandpur district, police had said.
The news of the deaths of the students sparked fresh protests in Imphal, prompting the Manipur government to order a closure of schools for the next two days and suspension of mobile internet services for the next five days across the state. At least 45 students have suffered injuries and are undergoing treatment in hospitals after clashes with police during protests on Tuesday. The students were demanding strict punishment against the perpetrators.
