Manipur Horror: Abducted Meitei Man Shot Dead in Churachandpur, Disturbing Video Goes Viral

In a grim reminder of Manipur’s continuing ethnic strife, a 38-year-old man from the Meitei community was allegedly abducted by unidentified armed men in the Churachandpur district and later shot dead. The incident has triggered widespread outrage after a horrifying video, purportedly showing the victim moments before his execution, went viral.

Police have launched an investigation into the killing, which occurred in one of the epicentres of the prolonged ethnic conflict in the northeastern state. Authorities said they became aware of the incident after the video surfaced on social media late on Wednesday.

According to the Superintendent of Police of Churachandpur district, the footage is being examined as part of the probe, and efforts are underway to identify and trace the perpetrators involved in the crime.

The disturbing video shows the victim sitting on what appears to be a rough, unpaved road in near-total darkness. With his hands folded, he is seen pleading for mercy before at least two armed men. Despite his appeals, one of the assailants shoots him at close range, killing him instantly.

Police identified the victim as Mayanglambam Rishikanta, a 38-year-old resident of Kakching district. Officials said Rishikanta had adopted the tribal name Ginminthang and was married to a woman from the Kuki community in Churachandpur.

According to authorities, Rishikanta had been working in Nepal and had returned to Churachandpur after taking a short leave. He had reportedly arrived in the area earlier this week.

Officials said they received information around 10.30 pm on Wednesday that Rishikanta had been abducted earlier in the evening by unidentified armed persons and was later shot dead.

Meitei organisations have alleged that both Rishikanta and his wife were abducted, although police are still verifying these claims. The groups further claimed that Rishikanta’s wife had obtained prior permission for his visit from local authorities and representatives of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), given the prevailing security sensitivities in the area.

Since violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023, the state has remained sharply divided along ethnic lines, with Meitei and Kuki communities largely avoiding each other’s areas. Churachandpur has been among the worst-affected districts.

The prolonged conflict has led to large-scale displacement and loss of life, with more than 260 people killed and thousands forced to flee their homes over the past year and a half.

According to news agency PTI, preliminary inputs suggest that the abductors may be linked to the United Kuki National Army (UNKA), a militant outfit that is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Manipur government and several Kuki-Zo armed groups.

Police said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses and urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified content related to the incident.