The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two individuals in connection with the brutal killing of a 31-year-old woman in Zairawn village, Jiribam district, during the height of ethnic unrest in Manipur last year.
The two accused, identified as Nongthombam Meiraba of Bishnupur district and Sagolsem Sanatomba alias Surchandra Singh alias Piba of Thoubal district, were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the incident that shocked the region in November 2023.
The woman, later identified as Zosangkim, was reportedly subjected to extreme torture before her death. Her autopsy report revealed that she suffered 99 per cent burns and had several body parts, including her upper limb, lower limbs, and facial structure, missing. The report confirmed that many of her body parts were too charred to collect for chemical analysis and showed signs of post-mortem dismemberment.
The NIA stated the arrests were also related to the burning and looting of houses in Zairawn village carried out by armed groups. The accused are currently in NIA custody until May 17.
The broader ethnic conflict, ongoing since May 2023, has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced thousands besides over 30 still untraceable.
The NIA, under directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, continues to investigate multiple cases arising from the ethnic violence, including abductions and targeted killings during the unrest.