Imphal: A woman from the Kuki-Zo community, Mary Haokip (name changed), who was gang-raped after being kidnapped by a group of men in Manipur’s Imphal, has died from an illness aggravated by the trauma she endured over the past 32 months.
Her family stated that she never recovered from the severe shock and physical injuries she suffered. She passed away on January 10, 2026, due to complications arising from these injuries. She was 20 years old.
Mary was a resident of New Checkon Colony, Imphal, a mixed-ethnic locality that became a flashpoint following the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, which has claimed the lives of over 260 people from different communities so far.
In her memory, community members paid tribute to her prolonged fight for justice. Candlelight vigils were held at Brigadier M. Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district and at the Wall of Remembrance in Churachandpur district under the banner of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF).
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) expressed deep sorrow over her passing, stating that her death represents not just a personal tragedy but also a stark indictment of institutional apathy.
CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen said that an FIR had been registered under Sections 354, 307, 364, 376, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
However, nearly three years later, no one has been brought to justice, community leaders alleged.
The Kuki Women’s Union (KWU), Sadar Hills, president Nengboi Hmar, said, “Justice delayed in this case is not just justice denied, it is humanity denied.”