A Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the killing of Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh has demanded that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), calling for an impartial and comprehensive probe into the incident.
The demand comes amid growing public anger over the killing, which has once again raised serious concerns about civilian safety and the security situation in Manipur.
Protests broke out on January 22 at Kakching Khunou following the incident. Demonstrators blocked the Indo–Myanmar Sugnu Road and later held a public meeting, during which the Joint Action Committee was formally constituted. Several resolutions seeking justice for the victim were unanimously adopted at the meeting.
The JAC alleged that Rishikanta Singh was abducted and killed by suspected Kuki militants and said that only an NIA investigation would ensure transparency and accountability. The committee demanded the immediate recovery of the victim’s body, arrest of all those involved, and strict punishment for the perpetrators.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the prevailing law-and-order situation, the JAC said hopes of peace and stability following the imposition of President’s Rule have not materialised, with civilians continuing to be targeted by armed violence. In this context, the committee also called for the restoration of a popular government in the state.
The killing has been widely condemned by various sections of society, while the state administration, currently under President’s Rule, has come under criticism for not issuing any official response.
When media persons approached Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and senior Home Department officials for comments on the incident, they reportedly declined to make any statement.
Rishikanta Singh (31) was a resident of Kakching Khunou Uchan Makhong Leikai in Kakching district. According to a complaint filed by his family, he was allegedly abducted on January 21 and later killed in Churachandpur district. He was the son of M. Tombi Singh and the husband of Chingnu Haokip, a resident of Tuibong village in Churachandpur.
Family members said the couple had been living in Churachandpur since December 19, 2025, after Rishikanta returned from Nepal, where he had been working. They claimed they first learned about the incident after a disturbing video, allegedly showing his killing, began circulating on social media. This was followed by a phone call from his wife, who informed them that he had been abducted and killed by armed assailants.
With tensions remaining high, demands for a central agency probe and swift