The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has expressed deep grief over the death of a 20-year-old Kuki-Zo woman, Nengtinlhing Haokip, who passed away after battling severe injuries linked to incidents that took place during the early phase of the ethnic violence in Manipur.
The forum said the young woman had been undergoing treatment outside the state after suffering serious physical and mental trauma. Despite medical care, she succumbed to her injuries on January 10, 2026.
According to the forum, Nengtinlhing was abducted in the initial days of the unrest from an ATM booth in New Checkon area of Imphal. She was later shifted to different locations and left in a critical condition. The ITLF said she survived initially but sustained multiple injuries and complications that required prolonged treatment. She was later taken to Guwahati for medical care, where her condition reportedly worsened over time. 
The forum described her death as a painful reminder of the suffering faced by members of the Kuki-Zo community since the outbreak of violence in the state. It stated that many families have been displaced, homes damaged, and normal life severely disrupted, particularly in areas affected by prolonged unrest.
The ITLF said the situation has created deep fear and mistrust among communities, making coexistence extremely difficult under present circumstances. It reiterated its long-standing demand for separate administrative arrangements, saying the safety and dignity of the Kuki-Zo people must be ensured.
To honour the memory of Nengtinlhing Haokip, the forum announced that a candlelight vigil will be held on Saturday evening at 5 pm at the Wall of Remembrance in Lamka. The ITLF has appealed to people from all sections to attend the vigil and stand in solidarity with victims of violence.
