Meitei Man Abducted and Killed in Churachandpur
Agartala/Imphal, Jan 22: A Meitei man was abducted and allegedly killed during a visit to his wife’s home in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, triggering widespread outrage and renewed concerns over civilian safety amid the state’s prolonged ethnic unrest.
The victim, identified as Mayanglambam, also known by his tribal name Ginminthang, was reportedly abducted on the evening of January 21 from Tuibong village in Churachandpur.
Thadou Inpi Manipur vehemently condemns the abduction and alleged killing of Mr. Meitei Mayanglambam (tribal name Ginminthang), husband of Mrs. Chingnu Haokip, by armed Kuki terrorists from Tuibong on the evening of January 21, 2026. pic.twitter.com/hIYmYp6cZC
— THADOU INPI MANIPUR (@ThadouInpi_MN) January 22, 2026
He had arrived from Nepal, where he was employed, to spend a few days with his wife, Chingnu Haokip, a resident of the area.
According to preliminary reports, armed miscreants suspected to be members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) allegedly abducted the couple around 6:30 pm and took them towards Natjang village under the Henglep Police Station jurisdiction.
While Chingnu Haokip was later released unharmed, her husband was allegedly shot dead at close range. His body was recovered by security forces in the early hours of January 22.
Sources said that prior permission for the visit had reportedly been obtained from the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, as well as Tuibong DHQ authorities.
The incident has raised serious questions about law enforcement, security oversight, and the effectiveness of existing peace arrangements.
Adding to the gravity of the incident, a video allegedly recorded by the perpetrators has surfaced on social media.
The footage reportedly contains militant messaging rejecting peace initiatives and the concept of a popularly elected government, further intensifying public concern.
The deceased is reported to be a native of Kakching Khunou in Kakching district. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation, though no official statement has been issued so far.
Meanwhile, Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex body of the Thadou tribe, strongly condemned the abduction and killing.
In a statement, TIM described the act as premeditated and barbaric, stating that it occurred despite the presence of security forces in the area.
The organisation warned that such incidents pose a grave threat to peace, public safety, and communal harmony in the state.
TIM demanded a comprehensive investigation, immediate identification and arrest of those involved, and strict punishment under the law.
It also called on the government to adopt urgent preventive measures to protect civilians and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The killing has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Manipur, where ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023 has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands.
The incident has also underscored the heightened risks faced by inter-ethnic families amid continuing tensions over land rights, political representation, and tribal status.
Authorities have said investigations are ongoing, and further details are awaited.
Meantime, social media platforms are abuzz with condemnation. Netizens are also criticising the government for its failure to eliminate the terrorists and ensure peace.