Imphal, Jan 22: Tension flared in Manipur on Thursday, January 22, after residents of Kakching Khunou blocked the Indo–Myanmar Sugnu Road, a key arterial route, to protest the alleged abduction and killing of a Meitei civilian in Churachandpur district. The protest was triggered by the death of 31-year-old Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, with locals condemning what the victim’s family has described as a brutal act carried out by suspected Kuki militants.
Protesters said the blockade was enforced as soon as details of the incident surfaced, disrupting movement along the strategic road. Demonstrators demanded justice for the victim and called for stronger security arrangements to protect civilians amid the ongoing ethnic tensions in the state. Residents also announced that a public meeting would be convened to decide the next course of action.
Rishikanta Singh, a resident of Kakching Khunou Uchan Makhong Leikai, was reportedly abducted on the evening of January 21 and later killed in Churachandpur district. He was the son of M. Tombi Singh and had married Chingnu Haokip, a 38-year-old woman from Tuibong village in Churachandpur. The couple had been living together there since December 19, 2025, after Singh returned from Nepal, where he had been working.
Family members said they first became aware of the incident after a disturbing video, purportedly showing Singh’s killing, began circulating on social media. Shortly afterwards, they received a phone call from his wife, who informed them that he had been abducted and killed by armed men.
According to the account provided by Singh’s wife, three unidentified armed individuals arrived at their residence around 6.30 pm and forcibly took him away. She allegedly attempted to intervene but was overpowered. The couple were taken in a vehicle to a remote area, where she was later pushed out, while Singh was taken towards a nearby hill and allegedly shot dead.
The family has expressed strong suspicion that Kuki militants were involved in the killing, though the wife reportedly told them she could not identify the attackers. A formal complaint has been lodged at Waikhong Police Station, stating that the family received confirmation of the abduction and killing around 1.45 am on January 22.
Police officials said a case has been registered and investigations are underway to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify those responsible. Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm as the probe continues.
