Manipur : Abduction Killing Triggers Fresh Ethnic Tension in Imphal Valley Region

Manipur: Fresh tension returned to Manipur’s Imphal Valley after the recovery of the body of a 38-year-old man, a day after he and his wife were abducted from Churachandpur district. The incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in the state and the deep ethnic divide that has persisted since last year. Officials confirmed that the man was allegedly killed while in captivity, while his wife was later released by the abductors.

Incident Details and Victim Identification

The deceased has been identified as Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, who belonged to the Meitei community. He was married to Chingnu Haokip, a woman from the Kuki tribal community. According to police officials, Singh had adopted a tribal name, Ginminthang, after his marriage. The inter-community marriage had drawn attention amid the ongoing ethnic unrest in the state.

Abduction and Alleged Killing

As per official sources, the couple was abducted on Wednesday by suspected militants of the United Kuki National Army while they were in Churachandpur district. The abductors reportedly took them towards Natjang village under the jurisdiction of Henglep police station. During captivity, Singh was allegedly killed, while his wife was later released under circumstances that are still being investigated by authorities.

Viral Video and Public Outrage

Senior police officials stated that a disturbing video clip related to the crime has surfaced on social media platforms. The video reportedly shows the victim pleading for his life before being shot at close range by armed assailants. The circulation of the video has intensified public anger and fear, further escalating tensions in the region.

Background and Family Statements

According to information shared by the victim’s family, Singh was working in Nepal and had recently returned on leave. Prior to his visit, his wife had allegedly approached certain Kuki organizations seeking permission for her husband to stay with her for a few days in Churachandpur district. This detail has added another sensitive dimension to the case, given the prevailing ethnic mistrust.

Police Action and Investigation

Singh’s body has been kept at the Churachandpur district morgue, and police have registered a formal case in connection with the killing. An investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend all those involved in the abduction and murder. Joint security forces have initiated a large-scale search operation in and around the affected areas to track down the suspects.

Ongoing Security Operations in Hill Districts

Meanwhile, the Army, Assam Rifles, and other security agencies have been conducting extensive counter-insurgency operations in the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. These operations began last week following intelligence inputs suggesting militant movement in the region. Officials indicated that armed groups are believed to be carrying heavy weapons and moving through remote hilly terrain.

United Kuki National Army and Security Concerns

Security sources revealed that the United Kuki National Army has not entered into any Suspension of Operations agreement with the government. In contrast, several other Kuki armed groups signed such agreements with the central government in 2008. The UKNA is believed to have a significant number of cadres and a large stockpile of sophisticated weapons, making it a major security concern.

Broader Impact on Manipur’s Stability

Since ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023, movement between areas dominated by the two groups has been severely restricted. The latest killing has once again underlined the fragile law-and-order situation and the challenges faced by security forces in restoring lasting peace in Manipur.