The Manipur government has signed an agreement to transfer the investigation into the killing of a Kuki-Zo couple at Tollen village to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), while committing to support the four children the couple left behind.
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the killing of Seikhoneh Singsit and Lhingjangai Singsit, contains six points addressing the investigation, medical care, compensation, and long-term support for the orphaned minors.
MoU Commitments
Under the agreement, the government will hand the case to the NIA immediately through proper channels. The injured four-year-old, Henminsang Singsit, will receive the best possible medical treatment until full recovery. The government also pledged immediate ex-gratia compensation to the family, proper rehabilitation for the four siblings, and continued state support until they reach adulthood.
The agreement provides for adequate deployment of Central security forces at Tollen, Kaimai, and Thingtuhbung-Kulbung—all areas considered vulnerable following the recent attacks.
The Victims
The couple was killed by armed assailants on September 13. Their surviving children are Chongunsem Singsit, 12; Sehboineng Singsit, 10; Lhunkhohao Singsit, 7; and Henminsang Singsit, 4.
Kuki-Zo organisations had issued an ultimatum demanding decisive action and enhanced security for vulnerable settlements, warning of intensified democratic agitation, including shutdown measures, if the government failed to respond within the stipulated period.
Implementation Timeline
Both parties agreed to implement all commitments within 30 days. The MoU was signed by SDO Tousem Paul Nangsha and SP Tamenglong Luikham Lanmiyo for the government. Seilen Singson, convenor of the JAC; Jangkhothang Khongsai, JAC secretary; and Satkholen Haokip, secretary of Kuki Inpi JTN signed on behalf of civil society representatives.
The killings have intensified anger among Kuki-Zo organisations, which have accused authorities of failing to provide adequate security to vulnerable villages despite repeated warnings. The attacks at Tollen and Longpi killed at least four Kuki-Zo civilians and left a minor boy critically injured.