In a significant development, the Manipur High Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to submit a detailed progress report on the ongoing probe into the brutal Jiribam killings that have intensified tensions in the state. The court’s directive comes amid growing demands from civil society organisations and victims’ families for swift justice and clarity on the investigation status.
Background of the Jiribam killings
The Jiribam district of Manipur, bordering Assam, witnessed a tragic incident on June 6, 2025, when two individuals were brutally killed by unidentified assailants. The victims, both residents of Jiribam’s Lamtai Khunou area, were reportedly abducted and murdered, their bodies recovered from a forested area two days later. The killings have further aggravated the fragile security situation in Manipur, already reeling under ethnic clashes and insurgent violence in recent months.
Manipur High Court’s directive
During a hearing on the Public Interest Litigation filed by human rights activist groups seeking court-monitored investigation, the division bench comprising Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui directed:
“The NIA is to file a comprehensive progress report by July 30, 2025, detailing steps taken, leads found, arrests made if any, and proposed future action.”
The court stressed that the gravity of the incident warranted transparency and periodic review to maintain public confidence in the justice system.
Timeline of the investigation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2025 | Victims abducted from Jiribam. |
| June 8, 2025 | Bodies recovered; FIR lodged under murder and conspiracy charges. |
| June 10, 2025 | Case transferred to NIA for probe into possible terror angle. |
| July 9, 2025 | Manipur HC directs NIA to submit progress report by July 30. |
Key concerns raised in court
The petitioner’s counsel argued that:
- Families have received no updates on investigation progress.
- Local police initially delayed registration of the case as a potential terror crime.
- The killings could be linked to extremist groups active along the Manipur-Assam border.
Advocate Meera Loktongbam stated:
“The manner of abduction, killing, and body disposal indicates premeditation and organised crime or insurgent links. Victims’ families deserve timely justice.”
NIA’s preliminary stance
Sources within the NIA indicate that:
- Multiple local suspects are being questioned.
- The agency is verifying inputs about possible involvement of cross-border insurgent groups active in Jiribam and Cachar regions.
- Forensic examination of recovered evidence is underway to establish the sequence of events and identify weapons used.
Rising security concerns in Jiribam
The killings have revived public fears about increasing criminal and insurgent activities in Jiribam, a district often overlooked in Manipur’s broader security discourse. Local organisations have flagged:
- Poor patrolling along the inter-state border.
- Lack of intelligence coordination between Assam and Manipur police.
- Fear of ethnic targeting amid fragile communal peace.
Reactions from victims’ families
Families of the deceased expressed relief over the High Court’s intervention. A brother of one victim said:
“We just want answers. Who killed them and why? The killers must be punished.”
They have also demanded compensation from the state government and job support for surviving dependents.
State government’s response
The Manipur Home Department stated that it will extend all logistical and intelligence assistance to the NIA. A senior official noted:
“Jiribam is sensitive due to its location. We will ensure inter-state coordination to maintain law and order and assist the NIA investigation.”
Political reactions
- Opposition parties criticised the Biren Singh government, calling the killings a failure of basic policing and demanding immediate security strengthening in border districts.
- Ruling BJP leaders urged opposition not to politicise the tragedy, asserting that the central probe agency will bring out the truth impartially.
Past incidents in Jiribam highlighting vulnerability
| Year | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Abduction of two traders by suspected militants | Rescued after ransom payment; no arrests made. |
| 2021 | Attack on forest officials by armed groups | FIR lodged; investigation pending. |
| 2019 | Killing of political worker ahead of elections | Case transferred to CBI; final report awaited. |
Security experts’ assessment
Defence analysts note that Jiribam, despite being a strategic gateway to Manipur, has often faced resource gaps in policing and counter-insurgency operations. Retired IPS officer A.K. Singh said:
“Border districts like Jiribam need integrated border management involving Assam Police, Manipur Police, central forces, and intelligence agencies to curb such targeted crimes.”
Public protests demanding justice
Civil society groups in Jiribam, including local student unions and women’s organisations, have staged silent marches demanding:
- Arrest of culprits within this month.
- Enhanced security deployment in vulnerable villages.
- Compensation and rehabilitation for victims’ families.
Expected way forward
With the High Court setting a deadline of July 30, the NIA is under pressure to expedite its probe. Legal experts suggest:
- Filing interim reports every two weeks to maintain transparency.
- Deploying specialised anti-terror units if insurgent links are confirmed.
- Providing witness protection to local informants aiding investigation.
Conclusion
The Manipur High Court’s directive marks a significant step towards justice in the Jiribam killings case. While the probe continues, the tragedy has once again underscored the urgent need for robust security, better inter-state coordination, and sensitivity towards vulnerable border populations.
Disclaimer
This article is based on court proceedings, official statements, and inputs from legal experts and victims’ families. The facts presented are subject to verification by final investigation reports submitted by the NIA. Readers are advised to follow official court and agency releases for updates.
