Man kidnapped, shot dead in Manipur's Churachandpur

A 29-year-old man was fatally shot in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, an incident captured on camera by unidentified individuals. The victim, Mayanglambam Rishikant Singh, a resident of Kakching and a member of the Meitei community, was visiting his wife, who is Kuki-Zo, in Churachandpur.

A Targeted Killing

Singh had been working in Nepal for the past two years and arrived in Churachandpur on December 19, 2025, traveling through Aizawl in Mizoram. Security officials learned of the murder through their sources, as no initial report was filed with the police.

According to officials, Singh and his wife were taken from their home on Wednesday evening. While his wife was released, Singh was moved a short distance and executed. A video released by the perpetrators depicts a visibly distressed Singh pleading for his life.

Did You Know? The video of the killing was shared on WhatsApp from an IP address traced to Guwahati around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The video was accompanied by the message “no peace no popular governments.” Four masked individuals in a black SUV reportedly carried out the abduction. Singh’s wife was unable to identify the assailants, though she stated that only the village chief was aware of her husband’s arrival.

Escalating Violence

This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began on May 3, 2023. The conflict has resulted in more than 250 deaths to date. More than two years later, the communities remain largely segregated, with buffer zones established between the Imphal valley, predominantly Meitei, and the hill districts inhabited by the Kuki-Zo.

Expert Insight: The targeted nature of this killing, and the accompanying video message, suggests a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions and undermine any potential for peaceful resolution in the region. The use of social media to disseminate the video indicates a desire to maximize its impact and instill fear.

Manipur is currently under President’s Rule, having been placed under direct central government control on February 13, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What community did Mayanglambam Rishikant Singh belong to?

Mayanglambam Rishikant Singh belonged to the Meitei community and was a resident of Kakching.

Where did the victim’s wife belong to?

The victim’s wife is Kuki-Zo and resides in Churachandpur district.

What was the message accompanying the video of the killing?

The video was titled “no peace no popular governments.”

What impact might this incident have on the already fragile peace process in Manipur?

Man kidnapped, shot dead in Manipur’s Churachandpur