Imphal: Intense protests and renewed tension emerged on Thursday, particularly in two districts of Manipur, following the reported abduction and killing of a Meitei civilian, along with demands for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe and justice in the case of the death of a Kuki-Zo rape survivor.
Various forms of protests were organised by the two warring groups, the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo, in two districts, Kakching and Kangpokpi, on Thursday.
Volunteers and supporters of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), formed in connection with the brutal killing of Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, launched a road blockade agitation on the Indo-Myanmar Sugnu Road at Kakching Khunou in Kakching district.
The JAC is demanding that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency for an impartial and thorough investigation.
Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, a resident of Kakching district and an innocent civilian belonging to the Meitei community, was gunned down by suspected Kuki militants in Churachandpur district on Wednesday night.
Similarly, Kuki-Zo women on Thursday staged a sit-in protest at the Kangpokpi district headquarters, demanding early justice in connection with the death of a rape survivor.
A young Kuki-Zo woman, Marry Haokip (name changed), who allegedly endured abduction and sexual assault during the early days of the Manipur conflict in May 2023, succumbed to her injuries at a hospital in Guwahati on January 10, 2026.
The protests are being held against the backdrop of the ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflict, which has resulted in a breakdown of law and order in parts of Manipur and has claimed the lives of over 260 individuals from the two communities.
Moreover, the demonstrations highlight recurring demands for swift and stringent justice for victims of sexual violence, with protesters vowing to continue their agitation until the culprits are arrested.
Overall, the situation remains highly volatile as community-specific violence and nationwide outrage over sexual violence continue to fuel unrest.