CM assures justice in Leilon Vaiphei case

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 11: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has stated that the Government has been taking all necessary steps to ensure justice in connection with the Leilon Vaiphei abduction and murder case.
Based on the information provided by the victims’ families, two of the identified suspects have already been arrested, he said.
On being enquired about a new bridge constructed by private parties without approval of the Government, and inaugurated on July 10, 2026 which connects Chandel and Churachandpur, the Chief Minister claimed that he does not have any knowledge of the bridge.
Saying that he came to know about the bridge only when reporters asked about it today, Khemchand assured that he would look into the matter.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the launch of “Uningthou Uyok” at the SEEDS Complex, Olympian Park, Sangaithel, the Chief Minister recalled that on May 13, 2026, three Pastors lost their lives in an ambush by unidentified persons.
He said that around 18 people were subsequently captured at Leilon Vaiphei by suspected Kuki militants.
Of them, 12 were later released while six were still kept in captivity.
He said that he had visited Makhan village along with Meitei and Naga MLAs to meet the affected families, where the victims identified five individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
Based on the names provided by them, two suspects have already been apprehended, he added.
Responding to a question on the remaining suspects, the Chief Minister said that it is the responsibility of the Government and law enforcement agencies to ensure their arrest.
He added that necessary instructions have already been issued.
Earlier, the Chief Minister launched “Uningthou Uyok”, a tree plantation programme under the Department of Environment and Climate Change’s “Ching-Pat-Turel” campaign at the SEEDS Complex, Olympian Park, Imphal West District.
The initiative aims to promote environmental conservation through the plantation of Uningthou, the State Tree of Manipur.
The programme was organised jointly by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, SEEDS and the Editors’ Guild Manipur.
Yumnam Khemchand also planted an Uningthou sapling as a part of the programme.
Following the programme, the Chief Minister inspected various facilities at Olympian Park and reviewed the condition of its infrastructure.
He expressed concern over the state of affairs in the park, including issues related to water supply and maintenance, and directed the officials concerned to take necessary measures for their restoration and improvement at the earliest so that the park can be revived for public use.
Regarding the reopening of the Olympian Park, the Chief Minister observed that while people are still hesitant to visit places perceived as risky, the prevailing situation is gradually improving with the return of peace.
He expressed hope that the park would be reopened to the public in the near future.
MLA Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, Managing Director of the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited (MPHC Ltd.) L Kailun, Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West Mayanglambam Rajkumar, Director of Environment and Climate Change Dr T Brajakumar, Members of Editors Guild Manipur, senior officials and other dignitaries attended the programme, among others.