A Meitei man was abducted and shot dead by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, in an incident that has sent shockwaves across the ethnic violence-hit state and dealt a serious blow to fragile peace efforts.

Abduction from home, body recovered later

The deceased has been identified as Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, a native of Kakching Khunou in the Imphal valley. According to reports, he was abducted along with his wife, Chingnu Haokip, from their residence in the Tuibong area of Churachandpur district on Wednesday.

While Singh was later shot dead, his wife was reportedly released unharmed. Police recovered Singh’s body from Natjang village past midnight and shifted it to the morgue at Churachandpur District Hospital. A case has been registered suo motu and an investigation is underway.

Viral video sparks outrage

A video purportedly linked to the killing has gone viral on social media. The silent clip shows a man sitting on the ground with folded hands, appearing to plead before unseen individuals, moments before gunfire is heard and he collapses. Authorities have not officially authenticated the footage.

Militant group suspected

The United Kuki National Army, which is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, is suspected to be involved. Around two dozen Kuki armed groups had earlier signed a tripartite SoO agreement with the Manipur and central governments.

Singh, who had adopted the tribal name Ginminthang after marrying into the Kuki community, was reportedly employed in Nepal and had returned home just three days before the incident.

Ethnic fault lines resurface

The killing marks the first such incident in several months and comes amid speculation about possible government formation in Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February last year.

Manipur’s ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed over 260 lives and displaced nearly 60,000 people, many of whom continue to live in relief camps. The latest incident has reignited fears of renewed instability.