NIA to Take Over Investigation into Tollen Village Killings in Manipur

The National Investigation Agency will take over the investigation into the killing of a couple in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, following a formal agreement between government officials and community representatives.

Seikhoneh Singsit and Lhingjangai Singsit were killed in an armed attack at Tollen village on September 13. Their four children, aged 12, 10, 7, and 4, survived the attack, though the youngest sustained critical injuries.

The Memorandum of Understanding

The case transfer was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Tamenglong Superintendent of Police, the Tousem Sub-Divisional Officer, and the Joint Action Committee formed in response to the killings. The agreement came after sustained public pressure and an ultimatum from Kuki-Zo civil society organisations demanding a central investigation.

Government Commitments

Under the six-point agreement, the government committed to handing the case to the National Investigation Agency without delay. It also agreed to cover the injured child’s medical expenses until full recovery, provide immediate ex-gratia assistance to the family, and arrange long-term rehabilitation and financial support for the four children until they reach adulthood.

The MoU further calls for deploying Central security forces in vulnerable areas, including Tollen, Kaimai, and Thingtuhbung-Kulbung, to prevent further attacks.

Both sides agreed the commitments would be implemented within 30 days. The government also accepted responsibility for any further incidents if the agreed measures were not carried out within that timeframe.

Regional Context

The killings occurred amid heightened tensions in the region following consecutive attacks in Tollen and Longpi villages, which resulted in four civilian deaths. Prior to the agreement, the Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney Kuki Inpi JTN, along with other civil society organisations, had demanded stricter action against those responsible and improved security arrangements in vulnerable settlements.