Imphal, March 12 (NationPress) The remains of two individuals from the Kuki community, reported missing in the Kamjong district of Manipur on Wednesday, were discovered on Thursday, as stated by officials.

The victims were identified as Thangboimang Khongsai, aged 35, residing in Shangkai village in Ukhrul district, and Thengin Baite, aged 40, from the nearby Thawai Kuki village in Kamjong district.

As per officials, the case has now been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by the Manipur government for an in-depth investigation.

A police spokesperson, referencing local accounts, indicated that the two men had ventured to fix water supply pipelines in the hilly region on Wednesday and failed to return home.

The bodies were located a short distance apart by local villagers and security forces, just hours following the release of 21 Naga civilians who had been detained by Shangkai villagers and armed men on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh declared in the Assembly that the NIA would take over the investigation and that compensation would be extended to the families of the deceased.

In a statement on X, Singh remarked: "Today in the Manipur Legislative Assembly, I informed the House that the Government will transfer the case concerning the deaths of two individuals at Thawai Kuki village to the NIA for a detailed and unbiased investigation."

He further added, "Ex gratia will also be provided to the grieving families as per government protocols. The government is dedicated to ensuring justice, maintaining law and order, and upholding the rule of law in the region."

Following the discovery of the bodies, a police vehicle was targeted by a mob in Mongkot Chepu, Ukhrul district, resulting in damage to one vehicle, according to officials.

Outraged locals in Shangkai also obstructed the Ukhrul–Imphal highway with stones and boulders in protest against the killings.

In a related development, all 21 Naga civilians, previously detained by Kuki villagers and armed individuals in Manipur’s Ukhrul, were released on Thursday after extensive negotiations.

A police official in Imphal confirmed that the civilians, belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community, were detained on Wednesday afternoon while they were traveling in three vehicles along the Ukhrul-Imphal route.

The official disclosed that after intense discussions and negotiations involving state government representatives and leaders from civil society organizations (CSOs) representing both the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, the hostages were freed in the early hours of Thursday.

Once released, the civilians were taken to Litan police station and subsequently reunited with their families.

Heightened tensions persisted in the Tangkhul Naga-majority Ukhrul district, especially in regions adjacent to the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district, with security forces conducting search operations to avert any potential unrest.