IMPHAL : A Meitei man was shot dead in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district, triggering fresh concern over Manipur fragile security situation. The killing comes amid continuing ethnic tensions that have divided the northeastern state for more than a year. Police confirmed the victim was abducted before being executed, marking another grim episode in the prolonged conflict.
The deceased has been identified as Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, a resident of Kakching district. According to police sources, armed militants abducted Singh from the Tuibong area on Wednesday evening. Later, the assailants shot him dead near Natjang village under the Henglep police station area.
Authorities suspect the involvement of militants linked to the United Kuki National Army. The group remains outside the Suspension of Operations agreement, which governs a ceasefire between the Centre, the Manipur government, and several Kuki-Zo militant outfits.
Abduction, Killing, and Viral Video Shock the State
Police said the attackers also abducted Singh’s wife during the incident. However, they released her unharmed later. Singh’s body was recovered from Natjang village after authorities received information from local sources. Officials transported the body to the Churachandpur district hospital morgue around 1.30 am.
A disturbing video of the incident circulated widely on social media platforms. The clip allegedly shows Singh pleading for his life with folded hands moments before the fatal shooting. Officials have not authenticated the video publicly, but they acknowledged its circulation has intensified fear and anger.
Singh hailed from Kakching Khunou in Kakching district. He was married to Chingnu Haokip, a Kuki woman from Churachandpur. After marriage, he had reportedly adopted a tribal name, Ginminthang. Local sources said he returned to Manipur from Nepal on January 19 and was allowed to stay in Churachandpur due to his inter-community marriage.
Despite this, the incident shows how fragile coexistence remains in the region.
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Ethnic Divide Deepens as Violence Persists
Since violence erupted in May 2023, Manipur has remained sharply divided along ethnic lines. Meiteis and Kukis largely avoid entering each other’s areas due to fear of reprisals. According to official data, more than 260 people have lost their lives since the conflict began. Thousands of families continue to live in relief camps across the state.
Security agencies say armed groups still operate in several hill and valley districts. Moreover, mistrust between communities continues to undermine peace efforts. The latest killing has again exposed the limitations of current security arrangements.
Police have registered a suo motu case and launched a manhunt to identify those involved. Senior officers said additional forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent retaliatory violence. However, community leaders fear that incidents like this could provoke further unrest.
Political and Security Implications
The killing has renewed pressure on both the state and central governments to restore order in Manipur. Analysts believe that non-signatory militant groups pose a serious challenge to existing peace frameworks. Therefore, security agencies may push for stronger counter-insurgency operations.
Civil society groups have urged restraint from all sides. They have also demanded justice for the victim and protection for inter-community families. Meanwhile, human rights activists stress the need for dialogue alongside enforcement.
As Manipur struggles to heal, this incident stands as a stark reminder of unresolved grievances. Without sustained political engagement and trust-building, experts warn that violence could continue to erupt sporadically.