The decision follows an ultimatum from Kuki-Zo groups, which had threatened intensified protests and shutdowns over the killings and security concerns in vulnerable villages.
BY PC Bureau
September 14, 2026: The Manipur government has agreed to transfer the investigation into the killing of a Kuki-Zo couple at Tollen village in Tamenglong district to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), following mounting protests and an ultimatum from Kuki-Zo civil society organisations.
The assurance was part of a six-point handwritten Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between government officials and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed over the killings of Seikhoneh Singsit and Lhingjangai Singsit.
The couple was killed by armed assailants at Tollen on September 13. Their four minor children were left without their parents, while their youngest son, four-year-old Henminsang Singsit, sustained critical injuries.
The other three children are Chongunsem Singsit, 12, Sehboineng Singsit, 10, and Lhunkhohao Singsit, 7.
Under the agreement, the government has committed to transferring the case to the NIA “immediately through proper channel”.
It has also assured continued medical treatment for Henminsang until his recovery, immediate ex-gratia assistance to the bereaved family and rehabilitation and government support for all four children until they attain adulthood.
The agreement also calls for adequate deployment of Central security forces in Tollen, Kaimai and Thingtuhbung-Kulbung, which have been identified as vulnerable areas following the recent attacks.
The government and the JAC have agreed that the commitments under the MoU will be fulfilled within 30 days. The agreement states that the government would be held accountable for any further incident if the assurances are not implemented within the stipulated period.
The decision came after twin attacks in Tollen and Longpi left at least four Kuki-Zo civilians dead and a child critically injured, triggering anger among Kuki-Zo groups over the security situation in vulnerable villages.
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The Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney (Kuki Inpi JTN), along with other civil society organisations, had demanded action against those responsible and stronger security arrangements in Kuki-Zo settlements.
The groups had also issued an ultimatum to the government, warning of intensified democratic protests, including shutdowns, if their demands were not addressed.
The fate of the Singsit children has emerged as one of the most immediate concerns following the killings. With both parents dead, the four siblings will now depend on the promised government support for their education, rehabilitation, livelihood and security.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the government by Tousem SDO Paul Nangsha and Tamenglong SP Luikham Lanmiyo, MPS.
Seilen Singson, convenor of the JAC, and Jangkhothang Khongsai, its secretary, signed on behalf of the aggrieved family. Satkholen Haokip, secretary of Kuki Inpi JTN, signed as the representative of the civil society organisations.
