Imphal: Manipur authorities have expressed deep concern over the kidnapping and killing of 29-year-old Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, also known as Ginminthang, in Churachandpur district and announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin. Singh, who belonged to the Meitei community, was visiting his fiancee, Chingnu Haokip of the Kuki tribal community, when the incident occurred.According to officials, Singh and his fiancee were kidnapped from their residence at Tuibong on Jan 21 by suspected United Kuki National Army (UKNA) militants. Singh was subsequently shot dead at Natjang village under Henglep police station on Jan 21, while his fiancee was later released. His body was recovered the following day and transported to JNIMS mortuary in Imphal, where it remains unclaimed.Manipur home commissioner N Ashok Kumar, in a statement issued on Friday, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and announced the ex gratia. He said the govt shares the grief and sorrow of the family during this difficult time.The UKNA is a non-signatory to the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement signed in 2008 between the Centre, the Manipur govt, and 23 Kuki-Zo militant groups.Following the killing, intensive combing operations were launched in Natjang and other areas of Churachandpur, though no arrests or seizures have been reported so far. The state govt has handed over the case to the NIA for a thorough and impartial probe.In a related development, a joint action committee led by Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, along with Congress MLAs Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh and Kangujam Ranjit Singh, accompanied by Singh’s family members, met governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday night and submitted a memorandum seeking urgent action. The governor expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extended condolences, and assured that all necessary measures are being taken. He confirmed that the case has been handed over to the NIA and said coordinated operations by state and Central forces are underway on a war footing.Meanwhile, the BJP, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), and several other organisations strongly condemned the killing, demanding strict punishment for the perpetrators. COCOMI termed the act brutal and alleged that the Central government has failed to rein in armed militant groups in the violence-hit state.Public outrage has also grown, with large gatherings and protests reported in Kakching district. Shops, schools, offices, and business establishments in Kakching Khunou Bazar remained closed on Thursday as part of the protest against the killing.With inputs from agencies
