Imphal (Manipur) [India]: Two migrant workers from Bihar, Dasharat Kumar (17) and Sunalal Kumar (18), were shot dead in Manipur’s Kakching district on Sunday. The victims were residents of Rajwahi village in Bihar’s Gopalganj district.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an “act of terrorism,” and expressed condolences to the grieving families. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for each family of the deceased.
“I strongly condemn the brutal killing of young brothers, Sunalal Kumar (18) and Dasharat Kumar (17), from Bihar in Kakching district, Manipur. This act of terrorism is a direct assault on our values, and my deepest condolences go out to their grieving families,” the CM said in a post on X.
I strongly condemn the brutal killing of young brothers, Sunalal Kumar (18) and Dasharat Kumar (17), from Bihar in Kakching district, Manipur. This act of terrorism is a direct assault on our values, and my deepest condolences go out to their grieving families.
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 15, 2024
In this crucial…
CM Biren Singh also hinted at the possibility of a “larger conspiracy” behind the crime, aimed at destabilizing the state.
“In this crucial juncture, we cannot ignore the possibility that this horrific crime is part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize our state and push it further towards chaos. We must stand together against these destructive forces and ensure that they do not succeed in creating fear and insecurity,” he added.
मणिपुर में उपद्रवी हिंसा में बिहार के गोपालगंज जिले के रहने वाले लक्ष्मण कुमार जी और दशरथ कुमार जी की हत्या से मर्माहत हूं। यह घटना काफी दुःखद है। मृतकों के परिजनों के प्रति गहरी संवेदना है। मृत स्व॰ लक्ष्मण कुमार जी और स्व॰ दशरथ कुमार जी के परिजनों को मुख्यमंत्री राहत कोष से…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) December 15, 2024
The Chief Minister assured that every effort is being made to identify and apprehend the culprits. He mentioned that the case could be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a thorough inquiry if required.
“An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to each bereaved family, and every possible effort is underway to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible. If required, the case will be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure a fair and thorough inquiry,” CM Biren Singh further stated.
Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also condemned the killings and announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to each victim’s family.
“I am deeply saddened by the killing of Laxman Kumar Ji and Dasharat Kumar Ji, residents of Gopalganj district of Bihar, in the riotous violence in Manipur. This incident is very sad. Deep condolences to the families of the deceased,” CM Nitish Kumar said in a post.
Nitish Kumar directed officials to provide additional benefits under relevant schemes and ensure the safe transportation of the deceased’s bodies to their native village.
“I have directed to give Rs. 2 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of the deceased late Laxman Kumar Ji and late Dasharat Kumar Ji. Along with this, I have directed to provide other benefits as per rules from the schemes run by the Labor Resources Department and Social Welfare Department,” he added.
The post-mortem of the victims was conducted at a hospital in Imphal, and their families were contacted immediately. The Gopalganj district administration confirmed that arrangements are underway to transport the bodies back to Bihar.
“The district administration is in constant touch with the concerned officials of Manipur to bring the bodies of the deceased and provide other assistance,” read a statement.
Efforts are being made to provide all possible assistance to the victims’ families under existing provisions, officials said.