Kuki man found dead a day after abduction in Manipur

GUWAHATI:

A 71-year-old Kuki man was found dead on Sunday (October 4, 2026), a day after armed men allegedly abducted him at gunpoint in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.

Residents of Khunkho Kuki village, which is located near the army base, said gunmen took away Hemjang Haokip after setting fire to his house on Saturday (October 3, 2026). His body was found in the jungle about 24 hours later.

Officials said security forces deployed sniffer dogs to search for him.

Khunkho Kuki village authority condemned the kidnapping and killing. He urged the Manipur government to punish those responsible for his death.

Locals suspected that the attackers were members of the Naga extremist group.

Ethnic conflict in Manipur brought the state to a standstill after violence erupted between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. Later, tensions between Kukis and Nagas escalated, with the latest incident of armed firing reported on 26 September, which claimed the lives of three Naga civilians.

The conflict has claimed more than 300 lives since May 2023. State Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas told a 60-member assembly in September that 49 people were missing since the conflict began.

A few days ago, the state government had announced an ex gratia of ₹ 10 lakh each for the relatives of the 49 missing persons.

Published – 04 Oct 2026 21:16 IST