Imphal, January 22: A Meitei man identified as Mayanglambam Rishikanta, son of M. Tombi Singh and a resident of Kakching Khunou Uchal Makhong Leikai, was allegedly abducted and killed by armed miscreants in Churachandpur district on Tuesday evening, raising fresh concerns over civilian safety amid continuing tensions.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred around 6:30 pm on January 21, when Rishikanta was allegedly abducted from Tuibong by armed men suspected to be linked to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA). Sources said that both Rishikanta and his wife, Chingnu Haokip, were taken towards the Natjang area under Henglep Police Station, where Rishikanta is suspected to have been killed. His wife was later reportedly released.
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Family sources said that Chingnu Haokip had obtained prior permission from the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and Tuibong DHQ authorities for her husband to visit her for a few days. Rishikanta, who had been working in Nepal, had recently returned on leave, and the visit was reportedly approved by the concerned authorities.
Meanwhile, a video that went viral on social media in connection with the incident reportedly shows Mayanglambam Rishikanta pleading for his life before being shot, though officials cautioned that the footage has not yet been independently verified.
An official statement from the authorities is awaited, while security arrangements in the area have been reviewed.
