Manipur Man Kidnapped and Shot Dead by Armed Men; Disturbing Murder Video Sparks Outrage

A fresh and deeply disturbing incident has intensified concerns over the continuing ethnic violence in Manipur, after a 38-year-old man from the Meitei community was allegedly abducted and later shot dead by unidentified armed men in Churachandpur district. A chilling video, purportedly showing the victim pleading for his life moments before the killing, has gone viral on social media, prompting widespread outrage and a police investigation.

According to police officials, the incident came to light late on Wednesday night after the video began circulating online. The Superintendent of Police of Churachandpur confirmed that authorities were alerted to the crime through the viral footage and immediately launched efforts to verify its authenticity and trace those responsible.

Victim Identified

Police identified the victim as Mayanglambam Rishikanta, a resident of Kakching district. Officials said Rishikanta was married to a woman from the Kuki community and had adopted a tribal name, Ginminthang. He had recently returned to Churachandpur from Nepal, where he was employed, and was on a short leave at the time of the incident.

Authorities received information around 10:30 pm that Rishikanta had been kidnapped earlier in the evening and later killed by armed assailants. The circumstances surrounding the abduction and murder are still under investigation.

Viral Video Triggers Shock

The video circulating online reportedly shows the man seated on a deserted stretch of road at night, with his hands folded, pleading before at least two armed individuals. Moments later, he is shot at close range. Police have said they are examining the footage frame by frame to establish its origin, identify the perpetrators, and determine whether it was recorded at the scene of the crime.

Officials have urged the public not to share the video further, citing its disturbing nature and the potential to inflame tensions in an already volatile region.

Allegations and Community Claims

Meitei organisations have alleged that Rishikanta was abducted along with his wife, who belongs to the Kuki community. They further claimed that prior permission had reportedly been sought from the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and local authorities in the Tuibuong area for his visit, given the prevailing security sensitivities.

According to sources cited by PTI, the kidnappers are suspected to be linked to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), an armed outfit that is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Manipur government and several Kuki-Zo groups. Police have not officially confirmed this claim and said all possibilities are being examined.

A State Still Gripped by Ethnic Violence

Manipur has remained deeply divided since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Since then, members of the two communities have largely avoided entering each other’s areas due to fears of reprisals. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced, with repeated incidents of arson, abduction, and targeted killings reported across the state.

Security forces continue to maintain heightened vigil in sensitive districts like Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, and Kangpokpi, but sporadic violence and militant activity persist.

Investigation Underway

Police said special teams have been formed to trace the movement of the victim prior to the abduction, identify the route taken by the assailants, and analyse digital evidence, including mobile phone records and CCTV footage from nearby areas. Central security agencies have also been alerted.

The killing has once again highlighted the fragile law-and-order situation in Manipur and raised questions about the safety of civilians, especially those with inter-community ties, amid the prolonged unrest.

As investigations continue, authorities have appealed for calm and warned against spreading unverified information that could further inflame ethnic tensions in the state.