Video Killing in Manipur Exposes Unhealed Wounds Three Years After Ethnic Violence
The fragile peace in Manipur has been shattered by a horrific incident that serves as a grim reminder of the deep-seated faultlines that continue to plague the northeastern state. On January 21, 2026, Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, a Meitei man, was brutally shot dead while visiting his Kuki wife in Churachandpur, a district predominantly inhabited by the Kuki community.
A Gruesome Incident Captured on Camera
The chilling details of the killing have sent shockwaves across the region. Singh was reportedly abducted along with his wife by unidentified militants. As he pleaded for his life, he was mercilessly executed. The entire gruesome act was recorded on video, which is now being widely circulated on social media platforms, amplifying the trauma and tension.
While the wife was released by the assailants, the identity of the perpetrators remains officially unconfirmed. However, security agencies suspect the involvement of the United Kuki National Army, a militant group that is notably not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. This lack of accountability underscores the volatile security landscape.
Broken Promises and Unaddressed Grievances
This tragic event occurs nearly three years after ethnic violence first erupted in Manipur, exposing the limited progress made in healing communal divisions. The Prime Minister's visit to the state in September 2024, which came after over two years of conflict, had initially raised hopes for focused attention on local issues and reconciliation.
However, the visit largely centered on announcing developmental projects, leaving most people in Manipur deeply disappointed. It failed to substantially address the core grievances of any community or provide meaningful solace to the victims of the prolonged violence.
The Lingering Humanitarian Crisis
A particularly distressing aspect of the ongoing crisis is the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Thousands continue to live in squalid conditions in temporary camps, with no visible, concerted action to rehabilitate them or facilitate their return to their original homes.
Ensuring their safe return is inextricably linked to fostering genuine dialogue and trust between the Meitei and Kuki communities—a process that appears stalled. The victims of violence, including those who have lost loved ones or suffered assault, still await justice and closure, with little progress in apprehending the perpetrators.
Security Failures and the Need for Disarmament
The recent killing highlights critical security lapses. There is an urgent need for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and take immediate preventive measures to prevent this incident from reigniting widespread violence. This is a stark contrast to the perceived abandonment of responsibility by authorities in the aftermath of the May 2023 violence, which emboldened militant groups.
A fundamental challenge is the proliferation of weapons in society. Modern arms looted from the Manipur State Armed Police remain in circulation, making disarmament a paramount priority for the government to establish lasting peace.
The Path Forward: Beyond Border Measures
While strategic measures like suspending the Free Movement Regime or constructing fences along the Myanmar border might help control cross-border issues, they do not address the root causes of the internal conflict. The absence of development is a problem, but it is not the sole issue.
With President's Rule currently in force, the central government and administrative authorities have a critical opportunity. They must initiate and sustain a structured dialogue between all stakeholders, launch a clear roadmap for reconciliation, and implement coordinated security and developmental interventions to restore peace swiftly and permanently.
The video of Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh's killing is more than a tragic recording; it is a powerful indictment of the unresolved tensions and unmet promises in Manipur, demanding immediate and sincere action from those in power.
