Mysterious Death of Missing Man in Manipur Raises Concerns

The tragic death of 71-year-old Hemjang Haokip in Manipur has raised serious concerns about safety and community tensions. Reported missing after an alleged abduction, his body was found in a forest with his hands tied. The incident follows a series of violent events between the Kuki and Naga communities, prompting calls for justice and increased security measures. As investigations continue, the local authorities emphasize the need for peace and cooperation between the villages involved. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the region amidst rising tensions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 4, 2026, 17:45 IST

Tragic Discovery in Manipur

Haokip’s farm trousers, shirt and sweater were recovered during a search on Sunday.

Imphal, Oct 4: A 71-year-old individual, reported missing after an alleged kidnapping from his agricultural land in Kangpokpi district, was discovered deceased in a nearby forest on Sunday.

The victim, identified as Hemjang Haokip from Khunkho Kuki Village near Leimakhong, had vanished following the suspected arson of his field hut on Saturday.

The details surrounding Haokip’s demise and the identities of those involved remain unclear.

Sources indicate that his body was found with his hands reportedly bound behind him.

During the search on Sunday, Haokip’s farm clothing, including trousers, a shirt, and a sweater, were located, prompting security forces to deploy sniffer dogs and enhance their search efforts.

His body was later located in a nearby forest.

Heavy rainfall had reportedly kept many villagers from their fields on Saturday, and the incident was only discovered later that evening.

Haokip was known to often spend nights in his field hut.

Upon learning of the hut's destruction and Haokip's disappearance, villagers initiated a search that continued until nightfall but were unable to find him.

The search was halted overnight due to darkness and safety concerns.

The Kuki Youth Organisation (KYO) from Leimakhong Block had previously called for Haokip’s swift and safe return, urging authorities and security forces to escalate their search and take action against those responsible.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Ariang (Khunkhu) Naga Village Authority expressed their support for Haokip’s family, asserting that their village had no part in his disappearance.

“Our two villages have enjoyed peaceful and friendly relations for many years. We want to clarify that our village and its residents are not involved in the disappearance of Pu Hemjang Haokip,” the statement emphasized.

The village authority cautioned against unverified claims and speculation, warning that such allegations could foster unnecessary distrust and tension between the two communities, which have historically maintained amicable relations.

They also noted that movement restrictions had been imposed on their residents since August 14 as a precaution following a previous incident involving Naga villages.

This incident occurs amid escalating tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur, particularly in Kangpokpi and surrounding regions.

In recent months, there have been reports of abductions, hostage situations, and assaults involving civilians from both groups, raising fears of potential retaliatory violence.

Security forces are continuing their search and security operations in the area, while further information regarding Haokip’s death is still awaited.