The body of a 25-year-old woman, believed to be the sixth member of a family abducted by armed militants on November 11 in Jiribam, Manipur, was discovered floating in the Barak River in Cachar, Assam, on Sunday.
Authorities suspect the woman was part of the family of six whose abduction and subsequent killings have drawn widespread condemnation and intensified protests across the region.
The horrific event is believed to be linked to the ongoing ethnic violence and lawlessness in Manipur.
The discovery of the woman’s body has further stoked fears and frustration among local residents, many of whom are questioning the government’s ability to provide safety and justice in the troubled state.
Law enforcement agencies from both Manipur and Assam are working together on the investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Centre deploys additional forces
In response to the escalating security challenges, the Centre has ordered the deployment of an additional 50 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies, comprising over 5,000 personnel, to Manipur this week.
This move follows the earlier deployment of 20 CAPF companies after violence erupted in the Jiribam district and spread to other parts of the state.
The increased presence of security forces is aimed at restoring order in the volatile region and addressing mounting public concern.
Protests intensify over government 'inaction'
Protests in the region have intensified, with civil society groups, including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), leading demonstrations against the state and central governments' handling of the crisis.
On November 17, COCOMI protestors locked several central government offices, including the Election Commission of India (ECI) at Lamphel, the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) at Takyel, and the GST Bhavan at Thambalkhong.
This move followed an ultimatum issued by COCOMI on November 16, demanding a military crackdown on Chin-Kuki armed groups, whom they accuse of being "narco-terrorists" operating under suspension of operation agreements.
The protests are a direct response to the government’s failure to address the demands for increased security and action against the militants. The unrest has prompted COCOMI to continue its indefinite sit-in protest at Ima Market, which began on November 16.
Protestors are condemning the government’s inability to protect the lives and property of the residents amid the ongoing violence in the region.
The abduction and murder of the family has become a symbol of the growing instability in Manipur, and the discovery of the woman’s body is expected to escalate tensions further.
As the investigation unfolds, there is increasing pressure on authorities to restore order and ensure justice for the victims.
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