Questions have emerged over the status of the investigation into the disappearance of six persons allegedly abducted by armed militants from the Leilon Vaiphei village area in Kangpokpi district after an apparent contradiction surfaced between a communication issued by the Manipur government and a submission made before the Manipur High Court.
In a letter dated May 31, 2026, addressed to the President of the United Naga Council (UNC), Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur, N. Ashok Kumar stated that the case had been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The letter stated that, “in order to ensure an independent, transparent and expeditious investigation, the case has been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The central agency is expected to investigate all aspects of the case and identify those responsible for the abductions.”
However, during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Manipur High Court concerning the whereabouts of the six missing persons, the Deputy Solicitor General of India reportedly informed the division bench comprising Chief Justice M. Sundar and Justice Ahanthem Bimol that the NIA had not yet received any communication from the State Government regarding the case.
According to submissions made before the court, the NIA was “yet to receive any intimation from the State Government regarding the case of the six missing people allegedly abducted by armed militants.”
The apparent inconsistency has raised questions regarding the actual status of the transfer of the case to the central agency. While the State Government’s communication to the UNC suggests that the transfer process had already been completed, the statement made on behalf of the NIA before the High Court indicates that the agency had not formally received the matter as of the date of the hearing.
Legal observers note that a distinction may exist between a government’s decision to transfer a case and the completion of the procedural formalities required for the NIA to officially take over the investigation. However, unless clarified by the authorities concerned, the differing positions are likely to fuel public confusion and speculation regarding the progress of the investigation.
Advocate D. Julius Riamei, speaking to media persons after the hearing, said that the Manipur High Court had admitted the PIL relating to the disappearance of the six persons allegedly abducted on May 13. He informed that the court directed the Government of Manipur to submit an Action Taken Report by Monday.
Significantly, the court directed that the report be filed by the Chief Secretary of Manipur, underscoring the seriousness with which the matter is being examined.
The forthcoming Action Taken Report is expected to clarify the steps taken by the State Government, including the present status of the proposed NIA investigation. It may also address the apparent discrepancy between the government’s assurance to the UNC and the submission made before the High Court on behalf of the NIA.