Key Accused in Jiribam Massacre of Six Meiteis Arrested in Assam

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In a breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Assam Police arrested Thanglienlal Hmar, also known as Boya, a key suspect in the abduction and killing of six Meiteis in Manipur’s Jiribam district. The arrest was made at Fulertal ferry ghat in Assam’s Cachar district following a targeted intelligence operation.

Hmar is accused of playing a central role in facilitating the transport of victims and armed assailants to the crime scene. The victims included three women and three children, who were abducted from Bokobera in November last year. Their bodies were later discovered in the Barak River and surrounding areas.

The victims were identified as Yumrembam Rani Devi, aged 60; Telem Thoibi Devi, 31; her daughter Thajamanbi Devi, 8; Laishram Heithoibi Devi, 25; and her sons Chingkheinganba Singh, 2½, and Lamnganba Singh, a 10-month-old infant. The brutal killings triggered widespread public outrage and increased communal tensions in the region.

According to officials, Hmar was apprehended based on specific leads provided by the NIA. A mobile phone and SIM card were seized from him, which are expected to aid investigators in uncovering further evidence and potential accomplices involved in the killings.

The case had earlier drawn criticism due to delays in the investigation. The Manipur High Court had directed the NIA to submit a chargesheet by the end of July and provide a detailed status report under Section 167 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court expressed concern over the pace of the probe and emphasized the need for urgent progress.

Authorities believe the arrest marks a critical step in solving the case and uncovering the wider conspiracy behind the killings. The NIA is now conducting further interrogation of the accused, who remains in agency custody.

The arrest follows months of efforts by law enforcement to locate those responsible for the gruesome incident, which has been one of the most disturbing cases linked to ethnic violence in Manipur. Officials have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice is served for the victims and their families.