Shillong, Sept 15: A pall of grief and anger has descended on Nongrah Nonglum and the wider Khasi-Jaintia Hills following the death of Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai, a young girl who had been reported missing on Sunday morning.
Insaphira disappeared from her home between 7 and 8 AM on September 14. Despite frantic search efforts by the local community and police, her lifeless body was tragically discovered the next day. Authorities have yet to confirm where she was taken or identify those responsible, but police suspect kidnapping and murder.
The case is currently under investigation by Rynjah Police Station, which has deployed multiple teams to gather evidence and track down suspects. A senior officer of the East Khasi Hills District Police stated, “A case has been registered and we will not stop until the truth is uncovered. We urge the public to report any clues or suspicious activity immediately.”
The tragedy has deeply shaken the Nongrah Nonglum community. Rangbah Shnong (headman) Bah Denis Lynrah said residents mobilized as soon as the disappearance was reported. “From early morning we searched continuously. Sadly, by Monday morning, her body was found,” he said, expressing sorrow over the incident.
Lynrah added that the crime has created fear and insecurity among residents. The Dorbar Shnong (village council) will now enforce stricter security measures, including re-registration of tenants and warnings against loitering or sitting idly in vehicles in dark corners.
The Seng Samla Shnong Nongrah (village youth association) also voiced strong condemnation. Secretary Shaiborlang Lyngdoh Mawphlang said, “Insaphira was only a child meant to play and live happily, but her life was cruelly cut short by criminals. We joined the police search operations and demand that those responsible face the full force of the law.”
Residents have called the crime an act of “inhuman cruelty” and expressed hope that the investigation will swiftly bring justice for the victim and her family.
