GUWAHATI: The Manipur government on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of two teenagers from Bihar who were shot dead by unidentified persons on Saturday.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the incident could be part of a larger conspiracy to destabilise the state.
“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,” Singh posted on X.
“In this crucial juncture, we cannot ignore the possibility that this horrific crime is part of a larger conspiracy to destabilise 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 further wrote.
Stating that an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh would be provided to each bereaved family, the CM said every possible effort was being made to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.
“If required, the case will be transferred to the National Investigation Agency to ensure a fair and thorough inquiry,” he added.
The two youths from Bihar’s Gopalganj, both construction workers, were fired upon by unidentified persons on the Kakching-Wabagai Road as they were returning to their rented accommodation at Kakching Bazar on bicycles.
Both were grievously injured and succumbed to their injuries while being taken to a hospital by the police.