Governor assures to hand over case to NIA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 22 2026:
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has announced that the murder case of Mayanglambam Rishikanta will be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
This evening, members of the Joint Action Committee against brutal murder of M Rishikanta accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Congress MLAs Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh, Kangujam Ranjit Singh and the bereaved family members called on the Governor and submitted a memorandum, said a press release from Lok Bhavan.
The memorandum conveyed concerns and sought appropriate action in connection with the unfortunate death of Rishikanta.
The Governor informed the delegation that intensive combing operations have been launched since last night to apprehend those responsible, with coordinated efforts involving both State and Central forces.
These operations are being undertaken on a war footing, he said.
Assuring the delegation of the Government's earnest attention to the matter, the Governor reiterated that all necessary measures are being taken in accordance with law.
The Governor expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Rishikanta and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
He once again expressed profound regret over the tragic loss of life.
During the meeting the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the brutal killing of M Rishikanta submitted a memorandum listing seven demands to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, urging immediate action.
The memorandum, submitted through the Kakching Deputy Commissioner, stated that the JAC, along with civil society organisations (CSOs), will launch a protest if their demands are not met within 72 hours.
The JAC claimed that a woman named Chingu Haokip is responsible for Rishikanta's death and called for her arrest to facilitate a proper investigation.
It also demanded that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure a speedy and transparent delivery of justice.
Additionally, the JAC called for the identification, arrest, and legal punishment of those responsible for the brutal killing.
It urged the Government to take decisive action, including launching extensive operations against Kuki militants, to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The JAC further urged the Governor to take disciplinary action against the Superintendent of Police (SP) concerned and the Central forces deployed in the area, citing their failure to prevent the murder.
After the meeting, JAC convenor Biswanath Thingnam told the media that they would not claim the body until the demands they presented to the Governor are fulfilled.
He mentioned that the Governor has assured them that Rishikanta's remains will be brought to Imphal.
Sungnu AC MLA Ranjit, on the other hand, questioned whether the Government of India has been colluding with Kuki militants to eliminate the Meitei community and dinstegrate Manipur.
Condemning Rishikanta's murder, the Congress MLA urged the Government not to remain silent.
He stated that the Government has not been working sincerely to resolve the crisis, which has taken a heavy toll on the people.
The crisis could be resolved if the Government launches a military crackdown on armed miscreants operating freely in the hill districts and deports the illegal immigrants, Ranjit said.
He accused the Government of pursuing a hidden agenda in Manipur amid the ongoing crisis.
The Government has no intention of resolving the crisis, he claimed.
Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam stated that the Governor has assured to take action against the murderers of Rishikanta.
He said that he urged the Governor to treat Rishikanta's case as a turning point, by sending a message to the armed Kuki miscreants that the law will not remain silent.
The MP said that Rishikanta was murdered to send a message as part of their plan to disintegrate Manipur by creating fresh animosity between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
He said the murder was recorded and uploaded to social media to escalate the crisis in Manipur and push their demand for separate administration.
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