Churachandpur, August 14, 2025: Tensions flared in the Torbung area on Wednesday after the body of a man was discovered under suspicious circumstances, prompting fears of further unrest in the conflict-sensitive region.
The victim has been identified as Mr. Sokhongam Baite, 45, a sugarcane juice vendor from the Peace Ground area. According to local sources, Baite had gone to collect bamboo shoots in the Torbung area earlier in the evening.
Witnesses say he allegedly crossed the buffer zone - a demarcated area separating the Meitei and Kuki communities - before disappearing. He is suspected to have been killed by members of the Meitei community, although no official confirmation has been made.
When Baite failed to return home, residents organized a search party. His body was found shortly afterward in the vicinity of Torbung.
ALSO READ: Manipur Police Arrest Three Militant Cadres in Statewide Crackdown on Extortion and Crime
Police responded promptly after receiving reports from local residents, securing the scene and launching an investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact cause of death.
The incident has quickly fueled community tensions, drawing large crowds and heightening security concerns. Local officials acknowledged the sensitive nature of the case, stressing that it is being handled with urgency to prevent any escalation of violence.
The Torbung area has long been a flashpoint between the Meitei and Kuki communities, with the buffer zone established to prevent direct confrontation. This latest incident threatens to undermine the fragile peace in the region.
