PRESS RELEASE
19th January 2026
STRONG CONDEMNATION OF THE ABDUCTION, GANGRAPE, AND DEATH OF NENGTINLHING HAOKIP
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) takes strong exception and expresses deep anguish over the death of Nengtinlhing Haokip, a young Kuki-Zo woman and survivor of sexual violence during the 2023 Manipur ethnic conflict.
Nengtinlhing Haokip was abducted on May 15, 2023, in Imphal by armed men, brutally assaulted, gangraped, and left for dead. For more than two years, she endured unimaginable physical pain, severe psychological trauma, repeated medical procedures, and lived in constant fear, while the institutions responsible for delivering justice failed her completely. On January 10, 2026, she succumbed to prolonged illness directly linked to the injuries and trauma inflicted upon her.
Her death is not merely the loss of a young life; it is a damning indictment of systemic failure, state apathy, and entrenched impunity. Despite the filing of a Zero FIR and the transfer of the case to the CBI in July 2023, no arrests have been made to date. This continued inaction by investigative agencies has effectively denied Nengtinlhing Haokip justice, dignity, and the right to live.
KWOHR holds the Government of India, the Manipur state machinery, and all investigative authorities accountable for their failure to protect a vulnerable woman, ensure timely justice, and provide survivor-centric care. The silence, delays, and lack of accountability have emboldened perpetrators and deepened the suffering of survivors and their families.
KWOHR strongly condemns:
The brutal sexual violence committed against Nengtinlhing Haokip
The culture of impunity enjoyed by armed groups involved in crimes against Kuki-Zo women
The prolonged delay and inaction in investigation and prosecution
The failure to provide justice, safety, and meaningful rehabilitation to survivors
KWOHR demands:
Immediate arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the abduction, sexual assault, and attempted murder of Nengtinlhing Haokip.
A time-bound, transparent, and accountable CBI investigation
Recognition of sexual violence against Kuki-Zo women during the Manipur conflict as crimes against humanity
Adequate compensation, long-term rehabilitation, and comprehensive mental health support for survivors and affected families
Independent judicial monitoring of all sexual violence cases arising from the Manipur conflict
Call to Human Rights Bodies:
KWOHR urgently calls upon national and international human rights organisations, women's rights groups, civil society bodies, UN human rights mechanisms, and all defenders of justice and human dignity to break their silence, speak out, and take urgent action. The continued neglect of such grave crimes only perpetuates injustice and violence against marginalized women.
Nengtinlhing Haokip waited for justice until her last breath. The nation failed her.
KWOHR vows to continue its struggle until her voice is heard, her dignity restored, and justice delivered.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Justice denied has now claimed a life.
Issued by:
Information and Publicity Department
Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR)
19th January 2026
STRONG CONDEMNATION OF THE ABDUCTION, GANGRAPE, AND DEATH OF NENGTINLHING HAOKIP
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) takes strong exception and expresses deep anguish over the death of Nengtinlhing Haokip, a young Kuki-Zo woman and survivor of sexual violence during the 2023 Manipur ethnic conflict.
Nengtinlhing Haokip was abducted on May 15, 2023, in Imphal by armed men, brutally assaulted, gangraped, and left for dead. For more than two years, she endured unimaginable physical pain, severe psychological trauma, repeated medical procedures, and lived in constant fear, while the institutions responsible for delivering justice failed her completely. On January 10, 2026, she succumbed to prolonged illness directly linked to the injuries and trauma inflicted upon her.
Her death is not merely the loss of a young life; it is a damning indictment of systemic failure, state apathy, and entrenched impunity. Despite the filing of a Zero FIR and the transfer of the case to the CBI in July 2023, no arrests have been made to date. This continued inaction by investigative agencies has effectively denied Nengtinlhing Haokip justice, dignity, and the right to live.
KWOHR holds the Government of India, the Manipur state machinery, and all investigative authorities accountable for their failure to protect a vulnerable woman, ensure timely justice, and provide survivor-centric care. The silence, delays, and lack of accountability have emboldened perpetrators and deepened the suffering of survivors and their families.
KWOHR strongly condemns:
The brutal sexual violence committed against Nengtinlhing Haokip
The culture of impunity enjoyed by armed groups involved in crimes against Kuki-Zo women
The prolonged delay and inaction in investigation and prosecution
The failure to provide justice, safety, and meaningful rehabilitation to survivors
KWOHR demands:
Immediate arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the abduction, sexual assault, and attempted murder of Nengtinlhing Haokip.
A time-bound, transparent, and accountable CBI investigation
Recognition of sexual violence against Kuki-Zo women during the Manipur conflict as crimes against humanity
Adequate compensation, long-term rehabilitation, and comprehensive mental health support for survivors and affected families
Independent judicial monitoring of all sexual violence cases arising from the Manipur conflict
Call to Human Rights Bodies:
KWOHR urgently calls upon national and international human rights organisations, women's rights groups, civil society bodies, UN human rights mechanisms, and all defenders of justice and human dignity to break their silence, speak out, and take urgent action. The continued neglect of such grave crimes only perpetuates injustice and violence against marginalized women.
Nengtinlhing Haokip waited for justice until her last breath. The nation failed her.
KWOHR vows to continue its struggle until her voice is heard, her dignity restored, and justice delivered.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Justice denied has now claimed a life.
Issued by:
Information and Publicity Department
Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR)
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