New Delhi: As new horror unfolded in Manipur, two students who went missing in July were found dead and images of the bodies have emerged recently on the social media, sparking huge outcry in the region.

The two students belonged to Meitei community, which is entangled in a communal violence with the Kuki community in the valley. Phijam Hemjit, 20, and Hijam Linthoingambi, 17 were seen sitting in a grassy field in the photos with armed men in the background. The location was appearing to be a campsite in the woods.

CBI Probe Was On Already

It should be noted that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had been looking into the matter after the kids went missing. The people in the state made the special request for their look out, resulting in transfer of the case to the security agency.

Meanwhile, another photo that has come to the notice showed bodies of the two lying where they were sitting. However, their dead bodies could not be recovered yet.

The gruesome scene emerged after internet services were fully restored in the conflict-torn northeastern state on Saturday, after 143 days.

Government Action 

Following the incident, the Manipur government has assured of taking “swift and “swift and decisive action” against the culprits.

State government response Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s secretariat issued a statement regarding the death of the two students, saying the state police were working with central agencies to further investigate the incident. “This case has been handed over to the CBI as per the wishes of the people of the state. The state police in coordination with central security agencies are actively investigating the case to determine the circumstances of their disappearance and identify the culprits who murdered the two students. Security forces also launched a search operation to arrest the perpetrators,” the statement said.

“In response to this sad situation, the government assures the public that swift and decisive action will be taken against all those involved in the abduction and murder of Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi . The government is determined to ensure that justice prevails and will impose strict sanctions on all perpetrators responsible for this heinous crime,” the statement added.

Violence Errupted In Manipur in May 

The case is one of many horrific incidents of brutality that Manipur is witnessing in the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribal communities.

In July, a video showing two tribal women parading nude before a crowd of men sparked outrage across the country. The women were then taken to a field where they were allegedly gang raped.