nia-takes-over-meitei-man-s-killing-case-in-manipur

The investigation into the abduction and killing of a Meitei civilian in Manipur’s Churachandpur district has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said on Thursday, amid protests and rising tensions following the incident.

 

The Governor expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh and extended condolences to his family. He said coordinated operations by state and central security forces were underway on a war footing to apprehend those responsible, adding that all actions would be taken strictly in accordance with the law.

 

Police said Singh was abducted from his residence in the Tuibong area on Wednesday evening and later shot dead near Natjang village under the Henglep police station limits. His wife, who was taken along during the abduction, was later released.

 

The assailants are suspected to be members of the United Kuki National Army (UNKA), a militant group that is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre, the Manipur government and several Kuki-Zo outfits.

 

Also read: Manipur: Indo-Myanmar border road blocked over Meitei man’s death

 

Singh, originally from Kakching Khunou in Kakching district, had returned to Manipur from Nepal on January 19. He had adopted a tribal name, Ginminthang, and was staying with his wife in Churachandpur with permission from local groups, police said.

 

Recounting the events, Singh’s father Mayanglambam Tombi Singh said his son was abducted by three armed men, while his wife was released from the moving vehicle shortly afterwards.

 

The killing triggered protests in Kakching district, where residents blocked roads, burnt tyres and staged sit-ins. Demonstrations were also reported from parts of Wangkhei in Imphal East district, with protesters demanding swift justice.

 

Since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, Meitei and Kuki communities have largely avoided each other’s areas, leaving the state deeply polarised. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in the continuing conflict.

 

Police said Singh’s 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 investigations will now be pursued by the NIA.