Imphal, Jan 23 (NationPress) The government of Manipur has declared an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for the family of Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, who was abducted and subsequently murdered by alleged militants from the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) in Churachandpur district. Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar expressed the state government’s profound concern regarding the tragic incident involving Singh, also known as Ginminthang, aged 29. He was taken from his home in Tuibong along with his wife, Chingnu Haokip, on January 21. Singh was found shot dead at Natjang village on January 22, according to officials.

The UKNA is not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, established with the Central government in August 2008, which includes a tripartite pact between the Centre, the Manipur government, and 23 Kuki-Zo militant factions.

“The government conveys its heartfelt condolences and shares in the sorrow of the grieving family. An ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh has been approved for the kin of the deceased, Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh,” Kumar stated in an official release.

Singh was part of the Meitei community and married to Chingnu Haokip from the Kuki tribal community, adopting the tribal name Ginminthang after their marriage, police noted.

According to law enforcement, the couple was taken hostage on January 20 by suspected UKNA militants and led towards Natjang village in Churachandpur district. Singh was reportedly killed during their captivity, while his wife was released later.

The Manipur government has referred the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive inquiry.

In a related matter, a Joint Action Committee, led by Congress Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam alongside Congress MLAs Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh and Kangujam Ranjit Singh, along with Singh’s family, met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday night to present a memorandum.

A Raj Bhavan representative indicated that the memorandum expressed concerns and requested decisive actions regarding Singh’s murder. The Governor conveyed his deep condolences to the family.

Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, informed the delegation that the NIA will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the case. He also noted that extensive search operations have been initiated since January 21 night to capture those responsible, with coordinated efforts from state and Central forces.

The operations are being executed with urgency, according to the official.

Assuring the delegation of the government’s serious attention, the Governor mentioned that all necessary legal actions are being pursued and reiterated his deep regret over this tragic incident.

Meanwhile, the BJP, the apex body of the Meitei community known as the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), and various organizations have vehemently condemned the murder, demanding severe penalties for the culprits. COCOMI labeled the killing a heinous act and claimed that the Central government has failed to manage armed militant factions in the conflict-ridden state.

A significant crowd, including many women, gathered at Kakching Khunou Bazar in Kakching district on Thursday to protest against the murder. As part of the demonstration, businesses, schools, and government offices in the area remained closed.