Opposition MLA K Ranjit has called for greater accountability and transparency in the investigation surrounding the disappearance of two minors, Phijam Hemanjit and Luwangbi Linthoingambi, who went missing amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur. His demand, voiced during a session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, highlights growing public frustration with the pace and effectiveness of the investigation.
The case of the missing minors has become a flashpoint in Manipur’s political landscape, particularly after disturbing images purportedly showing the children in captivity surfaced online. The disappearance occurred in July 2023, and the images circulated widely in September, intensifying public and political pressure on the authorities.
During the Assembly session, MLA Ranjit criticized the state government’s handling of the case, questioning why the remains of the minors have not been recovered despite the arrest of suspects and the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He urged the government to intensify its efforts, arguing that the slow progress is eroding public trust in law enforcement and the judicial process.
The crisis in Manipur has been marked by ethnic and political tensions, with various militant groups operating in the region. The disappearance of the minors is seen by many as a tragic consequence of the broader instability. The viral images, allegedly showing the children held by militants, have sparked outrage and concern across the state, leading to widespread calls for justice.
Ranjit pointed out that while Hemanjit’s family has already performed last rites, despite the absence of remains, Linthoingambi’s family continues to wait in anguish. He emphasized the emotional toll on the families and the community, stating that the government’s failure to retrieve the bodies is unacceptable.
In response to Ranjit’s demands, Chief Minister N Biren Singh assured the Assembly that the government is actively pressuring the CBI to expedite the retrieval process. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the investigation but reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
Singh emphasized that the government is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. He assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the crime, and that the investigation would continue with full force.
The disappearance of Phijam Hemanjit and Luwangbi Linthoingambi remains a deeply troubling issue in Manipur, reflecting broader concerns about security and justice in the region. As the investigation continues, the demands for accountability and transparency from both the public and political leaders are likely to intensify. The state government, under pressure to deliver results, must navigate the complexities of the case while addressing the underlying tensions that have contributed to the ongoing crisis.
