Imphal: The body of an unidentified woman was recovered from the outskirts of Muolvaiphei village under Saikot sub-division in Churachandpur district late on Monday night, raising suspicion of foul play amid the prevailing law and order concerns in the state.
According to police sources, information about the incident was received around 11.30 p.m. on April 13 from the secretary of the Muolvaiphei Village Authority. A police team rushed to the spot and found the body lying in a deserted area.
An inquiry was conducted at the site after completing necessary formalities in the presence of relevant authorities. A case has been registered under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The District Magistrate of Churachandpur has been informed, and an Executive Magistrate has been deputed to oversee the proceedings.
The body has been shifted to the district hospital morgue for post-mortem examination. Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the identity of the deceased and the circumstances leading to her death.
The incident comes against the backdrop of continuing unrest across Manipur. While curfew restrictions were relaxed from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 14 in certain areas following orders issued by the respective District Magistrates, mobile internet services remain suspended.
Educational institutions across the valley have remained closed since April 7 after the Bishnupur mortar blast triggered widespread protests, disrupting academic activities and fuelling public discontent.
Tensions persisted on April 13, with fresh reports of road blockades in Moirang affecting normal movement. In Imphal East, residents organised a torch rally at Nongpok Keithelmambi, demanding action over recent incidents of violence.
Security forces have intensified operations across vulnerable and fringe areas. In Thoubal district, two individuals were arrested on April 13 for their alleged links with the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Ibungo Ngangom) group. Police identified them as Elangbam Surjit Singh, a Havildar attached to Kakching CDO, and Maibam Ronaldo. A service pistol along with 10 rounds of 9 mm ammunition was recovered from Singh.
In a separate operation, Manipur Police, with assistance from Assam Police, apprehended an active RPF/PLA cadre, identified as Hodam Romen Singh alias Naobi (39), from Rupnagar under Lanka Police Station in Assam's Hojai district. A resident of Jiribam, he is reportedly involved in extortion and is a co-accused in a case registered at Jiribam Police Station.
Anti-insurgency operations also continued in the hill districts. On April 13, security forces destroyed four bunkers in Mongkot Chepu village under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district and recovered 35 empty cartridge cases.
Earlier, on April 11, a large cache of arms and explosives was seized from the BP 115 area under Chassad Police Station in Kamjong district. The recovery included two AK-47 rifles with magazines, a .22 rifle, 16 mortar bombs, six RPG rounds, five grenades, 461 live rounds of assorted calibres, and 14 12-bore cartridges.
The ongoing protests, restrictions and intensified security operations underscore the volatile situation in the state, even as authorities continue efforts to restore normalcy.