Organised by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, the vigil remembered a young Kuki-Zo woman , who passed away on January 10, 2026, after months of treatment in Guwahati.
BY PC Bureau
January 17, 2026: Hundreds of candles flickered together as misty-eyed residents gathered in Churachandpur on Friday evening to honour the memory of a young Kuki-Zo woman who succumbed to prolonged medical complications arising from violent assault suffered during Manipur’s ethnic conflict in May 2023.
The candlelight vigil was held at the Wall of Remembrance under the aegis of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF). Participants observed moments of silence, offered prayers, and lit candles in tribute to Nengtinglhing Haokip, aged around 20, who passed away on January 10, 2026, after battling severe health complications linked to the assault she endured during the violence.
According to community organisations, Miss Haokip—daughter of Seikam and Lhingnei Haokip of Kangchup village—was a resident of Chassad Avenue in Imphal East. On May 15, 2023, she was allegedly waylaid near Checkon while attempting to withdraw money from an ATM. She was reportedly intercepted by Meira Paibis and handed over to armed members of Arambai Tenggol, after which she was taken to Langol, where she was subjected to gang rape and brutal assault amid the ensuing conflict. She was later rescued by an autorickshaw driver from the Muslim community.’
📍Manipur : Candlelight Vigil in loving tribute to Nengtinlhing Haokip who was failed by humanity. Handed over by Meira Paibis to Arambai Tenggol in May 2023, she survived rape & severe trauma, but lost her battle on 10 Jan 26. Rest in Eternal Peace🕊️🕊️#ManipurViolence #KukiZo pic.twitter.com/6niZJuMmRW
— Aries Haoneo Kuki (@AriesHaoneoKuki) January 17, 2026
Following the assault, Miss Haokip underwent prolonged medical treatment, including care at Apollo Hospital in Guwahati, for multiple complications such as uterine injuries and respiratory distress. Despite months of treatment, she never fully recovered.
A Zero FIR was registered based on her statement in July 2023 under Sections 354, 307, 364, 376, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on July 22, 2023. However, community groups allege that the perpetrators remain at large and that justice has yet to be delivered.
A parallel candlelight vigil was also held at Brigadier M. Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district, reflecting shared mourning across Kuki-Zo areas.
The organisers in Churachandpur said a total of ₹25,580 was collected as a condolence donation for the victim’s family during the candlelight vigil held at the Wall of Remembrance.
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Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity, Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, expressed deep anguish over what it termed the “untimely and tragic death” of Miss Haokip. In a statement, the committee said her case should serve as a reminder of the need for civility and humanity across divided communities, stressing that the dignity of women must be preserved at all times and never weaponised in any conflict.
The committee criticised the lack of accountability in the case, stating that despite the gravity of the charges, the accused remain free. It also expressed concern over what it described as premature political reconciliation efforts without first addressing justice for victims. “Miss Nengtinglhing Haokip bore the silent scars of hatred and physical atrocities and is yet to receive fair justice even after nearly three years,” the statement said, extending condolences to her family.
Community groups, including the Kuki Women’s Union (KWU), echoed these concerns and demanded accountability from both state and central authorities. The victim’s mother, Lhingnei Haokip, said her daughter continued to suffer physically and emotionally until her death.
The vigil was held amid ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted in May 2023 and have since claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands, according to official figures. As the candles burned low, participants said the tribute was not only an act of remembrance, but a call for justice, dignity, and humanity.
