Imphal: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested the prime accused in the 2024 Jiribam killings case in Manipur. The suspect, identified as Thanglienlal Hmar alias Boya, a resident of Moinathol Dilkshosh Ghaat in Assam’s Cachar district, was apprehended in a coordinated operation between the NIA and Assam Police.
The arrest is linked to the November 11, 2024 massacre, where six civilians :three women and three children were abducted and murdered by armed militants in Borobekra area of Jiribam. Their bodies were later dumped in the Barak River, causing widespread shock and fear across the state.
According to the NIA, Hmar played a central role in both planning and executing the killings. He allegedly used his personal boat to ferry the victims and three armed assailants, dressed in camouflage, from Jakuradhar Ghat to Kaisalpunjee village Ghat a critical stretch in the execution of the crime. A mobile phone and SIM card were also recovered from his possession.
The NIA, which took over the case from the local police under case number RC-15/2024/NIA/IMP, is continuing its investigation. Officials have not ruled out more arrests in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the case has also entered the judicial spotlight. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 18 of 2024), later clubbed with Miscellaneous Case (PIL) No. 28 of 2025, was filed in the Manipur High Court by activist Soram Tikendrajit and others, seeking judicial monitoring of the probe.
Following court orders, the NIA has submitted two sealed reports outlining the investigation’s progress. These documents are currently under the custody of the Registrar General, awaiting further judicial review.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the high-profile case that had shaken Manipur’s Jiribam district and prompted nationwide calls for justice.