CM pins hope on CBI cracking missing person case
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 07 2024:
Informing the state assembly that the Hemanjit-Linthoingambi case is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) using available sources so as to recover even a shred of clothing of the two teenagers, chief minister N Biren expressed firm belief that the central investigation agency will crack the case.
Responding to a calling attention motion moved by opposition MLA K Ranjit with regard to the Hemanjit-Linthoingambi case in Wednesday's session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, CM Biren said that the teenagers' case is one the most tragic cases during this conflict.
As the state government faced some complicacy with regard to the case and there is suspicion of involvement of militant groups, it was handed over to CBI.
So far, six people have been arrested in connection with the case, of which two are minor and have been handed over to their respective relatives, while the remaining four are in the CBI's custody.
Further informing that the state government is in contact with the CBI, Biren said that several suspicious items including mobile phones have been recovered.
Since CBI is continuing the investigation, it is not suitable to discuss the matter openly for now.
The government has also told CBI to at least recover some items of the two teenagers even if the bodies could not be recovered so that their customary rituals can be performed.
Nonetheless, the government will continue to urge CBI to investigate all cases including that of Hemanjit and Linthoingambi with all available sources, he added.
Stating that it is the rightful claim of the parents to have at least some kind of item belonging to the two teenagers, the chief minister assured that the CBI is taking the matter seriously.
As the chargesheet has been filed, the government will push for strict punishment of the culprits.
Although it is not right to make casual statements now and then when the matter is already being handled by an agency, the government will give a push wherever necessary, he further assured, while expressing firm belief that CBI will come up with some positive actions, including recovering at least a piece of clothing belonging to the teenagers.
Raising the motion, MLA Ranjit recounted that teenagers, Hijam Luwangbi Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemanjit went missing on July 6 during the height of the violence.
Additionally, over 30 people are still missing till date, of which the teenagers' case is the most tragic.
While the whereabouts of the teenagers remain unknown, CBI took over the case and arrested 5-6 people including two women and two minors, as reported in the media.
On December 30, 2023, the CBI filed a chargesheet to the Judicial Magistrate.
However, there has been no headway in the investigation even after 7-8 months.
Questioning who or which militant group was responsible for the incident, Ranjit further enquired what items belonging to the two teenagers have been recovered by the CBI till date.
While the families have met the Governor and security advisor multiple times, the bodies of the two remain unrecoverable till date.
On July 24 this year, Hemanjit's family used the Pangong tree in place of the missing body to perform his final rites.
Linthoingambi's family, however, are waiting for at least a piece of bone belonging to her.
As such, he questioned if it would be inconvenient for the government to recover and hand over their bodies to their respective families.
Furthermore, since some items with regard to the case have been recovered, it is possible to locate where their bodies are buried, he opined, adding that as the CBI is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the CM may obtain confirmation of the same.
He also urged for recovering at least a piece of bone belonging to the teenagers or else the people will lose their trust in the CBI.
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