Bengaluru, 21 March

A nine-year-old girl was found dead at a relief camp in Manipur's Churachandpur district in the wee hours of 21 March. She went missing from the camp on Thursday evening following which her family launched a massive search for her, officials said. Her body was found late night at the relief camp premises. 

The girl had multiple injury marks on her body, especially on the neck, besides blood stains. It is suspected that she was raped. The body has been sent to a hospital for post-mortem. 

Condemning the incident, former chief minister N Biren Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved family members. "I strongly condemn the heinous killing of the girl by unidentified miscreants. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family and share their grief during this difficult time." Singh posted on X. He went on to add  "I urge the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay." 

More than 50,000 people were internally displaced in Manipur following ethnic violence between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribes in May 2023. Many children are attending schools from relief camps due to the ongoing displacement.