Meitei Man's Secret Stay in Manipur Ends in Tragic Murder, Family Unaware
In a chilling incident that underscores the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, a Meitei man was killed in the state's Churachandpur district, with his family revealing they had no knowledge of his presence there until after his death. The victim, identified as Mayanglambam Rishikanta, originally from Kakching Khunou in the Meitei-majority valley, was murdered on Wednesday night, and the brutal act was captured on video, which surfaced hours later.
Family Discovers Tragedy Through Late-Night Call
The family of Mayanglambam Rishikanta learned about his killing through a distressing call from his wife, Chingnu Haokip, who belongs to the Kuki-Zo community. According to his cousin, Amarjit Mayanglambam, the call came late at night around 1:30 am, shocking the family who were completely unaware that Rishikanta had returned to Manipur and was staying in Churachandpur since December 19. "He last spoke to his father on January 19 to check on him, but didn't mention it then either. He knew that his family would be upset and not support him," Amarjit stated, highlighting the victim's fear of familial disapproval due to the inter-community nature of his relationship.
Details of the Murder and Location
The killing occurred at a village called Natjang, located a few kilometres from Tuibong, where Rishikanta had been living with his wife. The site is approximately a 30-minute drive from Churachandpur town, an area predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community. Security officials in Churachandpur have provided initial insights into the abduction, indicating that two masked individuals abducted the couple in an SUV, with two more accomplices joining them later. Haokip was reportedly pushed out of the vehicle about a kilometre before the murder site, leaving Rishikanta alone with his assailants.
Background of the Relationship and Family's Perspective
Amarjit Mayanglambam shared that while authorities refer to Haokip as Rishikanta's wife, the family only knew of their engagement. The couple met in Guwahati around 2018-2019, where Rishikanta was working at the time. After he moved to Nepal for a job about six years ago, they maintained their relationship and got engaged in early 2023. However, the wedding was cancelled when the ethnic conflict erupted in Manipur in May 2023, and the family lost touch with the couple thereafter. This tragic event brings to light the deep-seated divisions and personal risks faced by individuals in cross-community relationships amid the state's volatile environment.
The murder has sparked renewed concerns over safety and ethnic strife in Manipur, with investigations ongoing to identify the perpetrators and motives behind this heinous crime.
