A fresh wave of fear has gripped Manipur after a village chief was allegedly beaten to death by suspected Kuki militants in Churachandpur district. The horrifying attack occurred late on Monday night in S Molcham village under Henglep subdivision. It has reignited concerns over law and order in the violence-hit state.
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Incident Sparks Panic in the Hills
According to local accounts, the 52-year-old village chief was taken from his home by a group of armed men around 9 p.m. The suspects accused him of cooperating with rival community members before attacking him brutally. Witnesses said the chief was beaten severely before being abandoned by the roadside.
Villagers rushed him to a nearby health centre, but he died before arrival. His death has shocked residents who described him as a calm and respected leader known for mediating peace in the community.
Police Step Up Search for Killers
Soon after the killing, a team from Manipur Police and Assam Rifles reached the area. They launched a massive search operation to track down those responsible. Police have registered a case of murder and named suspected Kuki militants as the main accused.
A senior police officer said, “We have tightened security in the surrounding areas. Operations are on to apprehend the attackers. No one involved will be spared.” Security forces have also been deployed across nearby villages to prevent further violence.
Night curfews have been reinforced, and patrolling has increased in sensitive stretches linking Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi districts.
Local Bodies Demand Justice and Protection
Community groups and civil society organisations strongly condemned the killing. They urged both the state and central governments to ensure justice and enhance civilian protection.
“We demand the immediate arrest of the culprits. The killing of a peace-loving village head shows that militancy is still active in the hills,” said a spokesperson of the Zomi Council.
Youths organised candlelight vigils in the district headquarters to pay tribute to the victim. They also called for permanent security camps in border villages that remain vulnerable to armed threats.
Ethnic Tensions Continue to Haunt the State
Manipur has been battling ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki groups since May 2023. The unrest has displaced over 60,000 people and caused heavy casualties. Though violence had slowed in recent months, sporadic attacks like this one show that peace remains fragile.
Locals said the murdered chief had consistently advocated for dialogue between rival groups. His killing has, therefore, been interpreted as an attempt to sabotage peace efforts.
Political analysts note that militants still hold significant influence in certain remote areas. They warn that the government’s challenge lies not only in maintaining order but also in rebuilding trust between divided communities.
Chief Minister Promises Action
Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed grief over the death and ordered a thorough investigation. “Our government will ensure justice for the victim. We have instructed police to act swiftly,” he said in a statement.
He also urged people to stay calm and avoid spreading rumours that could worsen tensions. Officials from the Chief Minister’s Office have reached out to the victim’s family with financial assistance. The state government is expected to announce a compensation package soon.
Villagers Live in Fear
Residents of S Molcham and nearby areas now fear for their lives. Many have started moving to safer locations. They alleged that militant groups continue to threaten those who refuse to cooperate with them.
A villager said, “We are living in constant fear. The government must deploy permanent security camps to protect us. Otherwise, such incidents will keep happening.”
Sources revealed that several community heads had received threats over the past months for refusing to follow militant orders. The latest attack has left them deeply unsettled.
Church and Civil Groups Call for Peace
Religious leaders and peace committees have appealed for restraint. Church representatives urged the state to restore faith through fair governance and transparent policing. “Violence cannot solve anything. Dialogue is the only way forward,” said a member of the Manipur Inter-Faith Forum.
The forum has requested both the Centre and state government to hold peace meetings involving community leaders from both Meitei and Kuki groups. They believe inclusive talks could rebuild trust and prevent more bloodshed.
Rights Groups Seek Independent Probe
Human rights activists have demanded an independent inquiry into the killing. They argue that recurring attacks point to the government’s failure to protect civilians.
A Delhi-based rights observer stated, “The fact that such crimes continue despite a heavy security presence raises questions about accountability. Independent investigation is essential to bring justice.”
Need for Long-Term Peace Measures
Analysts believe that the killing exposes deeper flaws in Manipur’s peace process. They recommend a combined approach involving rehabilitation, economic opportunities, and reconciliation initiatives to reduce militant influence.
Experts say rebuilding inter-community confidence will take time but must begin at the grassroots level. They stress that without trust and development, no security measure will ensure long-term peace.
As operations continue to track the suspects, villagers hope this tragedy will push authorities to finally secure lasting stability in the hills. The death of the village chief has become another grim reminder of the human cost of prolonged conflict in Manipur.
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