Photos of bodies of two Meitei students who went missing in July surface on social media

In the statement, the Manipur chief minister's office said the case has already been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The two students have been identified as Hijam Linthoingambi, 17, and Phijam Hemjit, 20.

“It has come to the notice of the State Government that the photos of two students, Phijam Hemjit (20 years) and HijamLinthoingambi(17 years), who have been missing since July, 2023 have surfaced on social media. It may be noted that this case has already been handed over to the CBI as per the wishes of the people of the state,” the statement, issued on September 25, said.

The photos, which have gone viral on social media, show the two students sitting at the grassy compound of what appears to be a makeshift jungle camp of an armed group.