BY PC Bureau
January 22, 2026L: A Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Meitei individuals formed in response to the killing of a Meitei man by suspected Kuki militants on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, demanding swift arrests, a probe by a central agency, and intensified security operations in the hill areas of the state.
The memorandum, submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Kakching district, pertains to the execution of death of 32-year-old Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, a resident of Kakching Khunou Uchan Makhong Leikai, who was allegedly killed on January 21, 2026, in Churachandpur district, specifically in the vicinity of an interior area near the Churachandpur–Bishnupur axis, according to claims made by the Joint Action Committee.
According to the Joint Action Committee and local sources, Rishikanta Singh had travelled to Churachandpur on January 21 under circumstances that remain contested. The JAC alleged that he was lured to the area and taken to a secluded location in Churachandpur district, where he was abducted, tortured, and brutally killed. His body was later recovered from the area bearing visible signs of severe violence, triggering widespread outrage across the valley districts.
(However, independent sources have said that the man had travelled to Churachandpur to meet his girlfriend and had been staying with her nearly four weeks.)
The killing occurred amid Manipur’s prolonged ethnic conflict, during which civilian movement between Meitei-dominated valley areas and Kuki-Zo hill districts has remained highly restricted due to security threats, armed checkpoints, and the existence of unofficial buffer zones along sensitive routes, including those connecting Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Kakching.
READ: Manipur Crisis: Kuki-Zo Women Demand Justice as Protests Erupt from Hills to Delhi
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JAC Demands
In its memorandum, the JAC described the killing as “deeply disturbing” and alleged that Rishikanta Singh was murdered by Kuki militants, calling for immediate intervention by both state and central authorities to ensure justice and prevent further violence.
Among its key demands, the committee sought the immediate arrest of a woman identified as Chingu Haokip, whom it alleged was involved in the killing, stating that her custodial interrogation was necessary for a thorough investigation. The JAC also demanded that the case be handed over to either the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure what it described as a speedy and impartial probe.
Breaking News‼️
Meitei Man Killed in Churachandpur During Visit to Wife’s Home shot by kuki Militants
It is learnt that on January 21, around 6:30 pm, a Meitei man identified as Mayanglambam (tribal name Ginminthang), husband of Chingnu Haokip, was allegedly kidnapped by armed… pic.twitter.com/kIfRZbCtwp
— BoN🇮🇳 (@bonwyswyg) January 22, 2026
The memorandum further called for the identification, arrest, and strict punishment of all individuals involved in the crime, in accordance with the law. It urged the Manipur government to implement “effective and concrete measures” to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
In a broader set of demands, the JAC pressed for intensive and extensive security operations against armed Kuki militants in the hill areas. It also sought disciplinary action against the concerned Superintendent of Police and central security forces deployed in the area, alleging failure to take preventive steps despite the prevailing security environment.
Warning of sustained agitation, the JAC said it would continue protests with the support of various civil society organisations across Manipur if its demands are not met within 72 hours.
“We earnestly request your kind intervention in this grave matter and hope for immediate action in the interest of justice, peace, and harmony,” the memorandum stated.
The document was signed by JAC convenor Kh. Pradeep Luwang and co-convenors Sarangthem Sushil Singh, Khumukcham Mema Devi, Mayanglambam Thoibi Devi, Heishnam Ibenungshi Devi, Sarangthem Augustin, Thingnam Rojen Singh, and Thingnam Sanathoi Singh.
There was no immediate response from the Governor’s office or the Manipur government at the time of filing this report.
