Imphal: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has announced that the murder case of a Meitei man in Churachandpur, allegedly carried out by suspected Kuki militants, has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a detailed investigation.
The Governor expressed profound grief over the death of Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He said that vigorous efforts are underway to nab those responsible, with state and central forces carrying out coordinated operations on a war footing. Bhalla also emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken in accordance with the law.
According to police, Singh, a member of the Meitei community, was abducted from his home in the Tuibong area on Wednesday and later shot dead near Natjang village. The assailants are suspected to belong to the United Kuki National Army (UNKA), a group not party to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed between the Centre, the Manipur government, and several Kuki-Zo militant outfits.
Singh, originally from Kakching Khunou in Kakching district, had returned to Churachandpur from Nepal on January 19. He had assumed a tribal name, Ginminthang, and was staying with his wife, Chingnu Haokip of Churachandpur, with permission from some local groups.
Mayanglambam Tombi Singh, the victim’s father, told reporters, “After returning from Nepal, he had been staying at his wife’s residence in Churachandpur for a few weeks. We were later informed that he was abducted by three armed men on Wednesday evening. His wife was also taken with him but was later released from the moving vehicle.”
The killing sparked protests in Kakching district, where residents of Kakching Khunou Lamkhai blocked roads, burnt tyres, and staged a sit-in. Demonstrations were also reported in parts of Wangkhei in Imphal East district, condemning the murder.
Since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, Kukis and Meiteis have largely avoided each other’s areas, leaving Manipur deeply divided. Over 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in the ongoing hostilities.
Police said the militants had abducted Singh and his wife, taking them toward Natjang in the Henglep police station area, where Singh was allegedly shot dead. His wife was later released. A video clip of the incident circulated on social media, showing Singh pleading for his life before being shot.
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The body was recovered from Natjang village and brought to the district hospital morgue around 1:30 am. A suo motu case has been registered, and authorities continue efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
