IMPHAL : Tension flared up in parts of Manipur on Thursday after residents of Kakching Khunou blocked the strategically important Indo-Myanmar Sugnu Road, protesting the alleged abduction and killing of a Meitei civilian in Churachandpur district.

The blockade was staged following reports of the killing of Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh (31), a resident of Kakching Khunou Uchan Makhong Leikai in Kakching district. Protesters condemned what the victim’s family described as a “brutal killing” and demanded justice, along with enhanced security for civilians amid the prolonged ethnic unrest in the state.

Local residents said the road was blocked soon after news of the incident spread. The agitators alleged that suspected Kuki militants were involved in the killing and warned that protests could intensify if those responsible were not identified and brought to book. Organisers of the blockade also announced plans to convene a public meeting to decide the future course of action.

According to a complaint lodged by the family, Rishikanta Singh was allegedly abducted on the evening of January 21 and later killed in Churachandpur district. He was the son of M. Tombi Singh and the husband of Chingnu Haokip (38), a resident of Tuibong (Tuibuang) village in Churachandpur.

Family members said the couple had been living together in Churachandpur since December 19, 2025, after Rishikanta returned from Nepal, where he had been working. They claimed they were first alerted to the incident after coming across a disturbing video purportedly showing his killing, which later circulated widely on social media.

The family said they subsequently received a phone call from Rishikanta’s wife, who informed them that he had been abducted and killed by armed assailants. A family member told the media that Rishikanta had married a Kuki woman and had remained in regular contact with his family prior to the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur. “After the crisis began, communication became irregular,” the family member said.

As per the account shared by Chingnu Haokip, three unidentified armed men allegedly arrived at their residence around 6.30 pm on January 21 and forcibly abducted Rishikanta. She reportedly tried to resist but was overpowered. According to her statement, the couple was taken in a four-wheeler to a secluded location, where she was later pushed out of the vehicle. Rishikanta was allegedly taken towards a nearby hill area and shot dead.

“We strongly suspect the involvement of Kuki militants in the cold-blooded killing of my brother,” a family member said, adding that the wife claimed she was unable to identify the attackers.

The complaint further stated that the family received telephonic confirmation of the abduction and killing from Chingnu Haokip at around 1.45 am on January 22. A formal case has been registered at Waikhong Police Station, seeking a thorough investigation and stringent action against those involved.

Police officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered and an investigation is underway to establish the sequence of events and identify the perpetrators. Authorities have appealed to the public to maintain calm and refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions as the probe continues.

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