GUWAHATI: A 31-year-old Meitei man who had gone to visit his Kuki fiancée in Manipur’s Churachandpur district was abducted and shot dead on camera on Wednesday evening, sparking outrage and renewed tensions across the state.
Police identified the victim as M Rishikanta (31), who was allegedly kidnapped by armed miscreants from his fiancée’s residence in Tuibong around 6.30 pm. His body was later found near Natjang village in Churachandpur, hours after the abduction. While the perpetrators are yet to be identified, authorities said a case has been registered and operations are underway to trace those responsible.
According to family members, Rishikanta worked as a technical engineer with a firm in Nepal. He had travelled to Churachandpur ahead of Christmas and had been staying at his fiancée’s home since December 19.
A disturbing video purportedly showing his final moments — in which he is seen pleading for his life before being shot twice — was released by the attackers and circulated widely on social media. The video carried the message: “No Peace, No Popular Government.”
The killing triggered protests on Thursday in Kakching Khunou, Rishikanta’s native village in Kakching district, where residents blocked the Wabagai–Sugnu road to condemn the incident.
Reports also suggested that the couple had sought permission from the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), an umbrella body of Kuki insurgent groups, for his stay in Churachandpur. The KNO, however, denied any knowledge of the visit and rejected allegations of involvement in the killing.
A post-mortem examination was conducted in Churachandpur on Thursday. The victim’s family identified the body through a video call, as they were unable to travel to the district. Kakching Superintendent of Police (SP) Priyadarshini met the family and facilitated the identification process. Sources said the body was to be handed over to Kakching police later in the day.
In a significant development, Manipur Raj Bhavan said Governor AK Bhalla has decided to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure a thorough and impartial probe. The decision was conveyed to a delegation of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) led by Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, which met the governor to press for justice.
“The governor informed the delegation that intensive combing operations have been launched since last night to apprehend those responsible, with coordinated efforts involving both state and central forces. These operations are being carried out on a war footing,” a statement from Raj Bhavan said.
The JAC has also called for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents, demanded intensified action against armed militants in the hills, and sought disciplinary action against the Churachandpur SP and central forces deployed in the area, alleging failure to take preventive steps.
