In a significant development in the investigation into the brutal killings of three women and three children in Manipur's Jiribam district in November 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), in collaboration with the Assam Police, has apprehended a key conspirator. The accused, identified as Thanglienlal Hmar alias Boya, was arrested on Thursday in Assam's Cachar district. He is a resident of Moinathol Dilkshosh Ghaat.

The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the case, which the NIA took over from the Borobekra Police. The victims were abducted and brutally murdered by militants in the Borobekra area of Jiribam on November 11, 2024. Their bodies were later discovered in the Barak River. The victims were identified as Yumrembam Rani Devi (60), Telem Thoibi Devi (31) and her daughter Telem Thajamanbi Devi (8), Laishram Heithoibi Devi (25) and her two children Laishram Chingkheinganba Singh (2.5 years old) and Laishram Lamnganba Singh (10 months old).

According to an official statement released by the NIA, Thanglienlal Hmar was actively involved in the conspiracy and execution of the heinous crime. The NIA also recovered a mobile phone and a SIM card from his possession. Investigations reveal that Hmar played a critical logistical role in the abduction and subsequent murder of the victims. He allegedly transported the six abducted individuals, along with three armed assailants dressed in camouflage, from Jakuradhar Ghat to Kaisalpunjee village Ghat using his boat.

The arrest comes shortly after the Manipur High Court directed the NIA to file a chargesheet in the case within a month. The court had previously expressed concern over the delay in the investigation and instructed the NIA to submit detailed progress reports. The high court has been hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Uripok Apunba Lup, seeking a speedy and fair investigation into the killings.

The Jiribam killings occurred against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur, which began in May 2023. The incident sparked renewed unrest in the region. While earlier accusations pointed towards Kuki militants, the arrested suspect, Thanglienlal Hmar, belongs to the Hmar tribe.

The NIA is continuing its investigation into the case. Hmar is currently in NIA custody and is being interrogated to gather more information on the network of individuals who facilitated the attack. The agency is committed to ensuring that all those involved in the killings are brought to justice.