Tensions have risen in Manipur following the death of a Meitei man who was visiting his Kuki fiancée in Churachandpur district. Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, 29 or 31 years old, was shot dead on Wednesday night. The incident was reportedly captured on video.

According to police reports, Singh was abducted from his fiancée's home in the Tuibong area of Churachandpur by armed individuals around 6:30 PM. His body was later discovered near Natjang village. While the perpetrators have not yet been identified, authorities have launched an investigation and are actively pursuing those responsible. Some reports suggest the involvement of the United Kuki National Army (UNKA), a group not adhering to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The SoO is an agreement between the central government, the Manipur government, and numerous Kuki-Zo militant organizations.

Singh, a resident of Kakching Khunou in Kakching district, was married to Chingnu Haokip, who is from the Kuki community in Churachandpur. Some sources indicate he had assumed a tribal name, Ginminthang. He had been working as a technical engineer in Nepal and returned to Churachandpur on January 19 to visit his fiancée, staying at her home since December 19. Local groups had reportedly permitted him to stay with his wife.

Mayanglambam Tombi Singh, the deceased's father, told reporters that his son had been staying at his wife's place in Churachandpur for a few weeks after arriving from Nepal. He also stated that they were informed that three armed men abducted his son on Wednesday evening, initially taking his wife as well, but she was later released from a moving vehicle.

The killing has sparked widespread outrage and protests, particularly in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley. Demonstrations have erupted in Kakching district, with residents burning tires and staging sit-ins to protest the killing. Similar protests have also occurred in parts of Wangkhei, Imphal East district.

This incident has further heightened existing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which have been strained since the outbreak of violence in May 2023. The ethnic conflict has resulted in over 260 deaths and the displacement of thousands. Following the surge in violence, members of the Kuki and Meitei communities generally avoid entering each other's areas.