Tragic Death of Gang-Rape Survivor in Manipur Highlights Ongoing Violence

The tragic death of a 20-year-old Kuki woman, who was gang-raped in Manipur in May 2023, has drawn attention to the ongoing violence and lack of justice in the region. Despite her struggle to recover from severe physical and psychological trauma, she succumbed to her injuries on January 10. Her case remains unresolved, with no arrests made over two years later. The Kuki-Zo community held a vigil in her memory, highlighting the broader context of ethnic violence that has claimed many lives and displaced thousands since May 2023. This incident raises critical questions about safety and justice for women in Manipur.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 15:13 IST

Gang-Rape Survivor Passes Away After Prolonged Illness

A 20-year-old woman from the Kuki community, who was a victim of gang rape in Manipur in May 2023, tragically passed away on January 10 due to complications related to her injuries, as reported by a news outlet on Saturday.

Her family revealed that she struggled to recover from both the physical and emotional scars left by the assault.

The young woman was kidnapped on May 15, 2023, in Imphal while attempting to withdraw cash from an ATM. During her ordeal, she was assaulted at various locations and forced into vehicles by groups of men, some of whom were reportedly linked to the extremist Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol. She managed to escape with the assistance of an auto-rickshaw driver.

Initially, she was taken to relief camps in Kangpokpi district before receiving medical care in hospitals located in Manipur and Nagaland. A medical report from Kohima, which was independently verified, documented her injuries as an 'alleged case of assault and rape.'

The incident was first reported to the National Commission for Women in June 2023. In July, she provided a statement to the police, leading to the registration of a zero FIR, which was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation. A zero FIR can be filed at any police station, regardless of where the crime occurred, and must be forwarded to the appropriate jurisdiction.

Despite the passage of over two years, no arrests have been made in connection with her case.

Her mother, Lhingnei Haokip, shared that the trauma inflicted on her daughter resulted in severe health issues, including breathing difficulties, insomnia, and mental health struggles. She recounted her daughter's constant fear and despair, stating, 'For the last two years, she lived in constant fear. She used to tell me that she did not want to live anymore.'

In memory of the young woman, the Kuki-Zo community organized a candlelight vigil in Churachandpur on Saturday.

Since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities in May 2023, at least 260 individuals have lost their lives, and over 59,000 have been displaced. The violence has seen periodic escalations into 2024 and 2025.

In 2023, a news outlet conducted interviews with Kuki women who endured severe violence, including the complainant who has now passed away.