Imphal: The All Manipur Gorkha Students’ Union (AMGSU) on Tuesday called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the death of Sandeep Rai, a 30-year-old Nepali man who was killed in an ambush by unidentified assailants at Chepu Yaolen village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on October 10.
Strongly condemning the attack, the union urged the authorities to identify the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought to justice. Expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation and the safety of ordinary citizens, AMGSU extended its condolences to the bereaved family and appealed to both the Central and State governments to take concrete measures to restore lasting peace. It also called on all stakeholders to work sincerely towards safeguarding lives and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Rai’s family has submitted a charter of demands to the State government, seeking ex-gratia compensation and a government job for a family member. Speaking to the media at the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal during the post-mortem formalities, the victim’s uncle, Suriya Bantawa, said Rai was driving his Maruti Alto when the ambush took place.
The family has expressed suspicion that Rai may have been killed due to mistaken identity, alleging that members of their community share physical features similar to those of certain local tribal communities. However, the suspected motive has not been independently established by the authorities.
Rai, a resident of Taphou Senapati Nepali village in Senapati district, was among nine victims identified amid a recent surge in violence in Manipur.
His killing occurred against the backdrop of escalating violence across Kamjong, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts. The incident has prompted the Gorkha Union and other local organisations to demand justice for the victim and financial assistance for his bereaved family, while renewing calls for effective measures to ensure public safety and restore peace in the affected areas.