Gorkhali farmer killed in Manipur ambush as villagers demand security

IMPHAL, October 10, 2026: The Chepu Yaolen Village Authority has issued a strong condemnation following the tragic killing of Sandeep Rai, a 40-year-old Gorkhali farmer originally from Senapati, who was ambushed and killed along the MTP (Mahadev–Toloi–Pfutsero) Inter-Village Road above Shaila Khuti.

The attack took place at approximately 6:00 AM on 10 October 2026 as Mr Rai was driving his red Maruti Alto (WB 24K 3992) towards farmland he cultivated on lease in the forest area of Chepu Yaolen. Local authority representatives believe the ambush was executed by NSCN(IM) cadres who may have targeted Kuki-Zo farmers in the region.

Following the incident, the Chief of Chepu Yaolen, Jamkholet Khongsai, reported the crime to the Litan Police Station to lodge a First Information Report (FIR). Police officials subsequently indicated that a suo motu FIR would be registered.

Expressing deep grief, the Village Authority noted that Mr Rai was warmly integrated into the local community and regarded as one of their own. Local leaders highlighted that farmers in Chepu Yaolen and neighbouring Kuki-Zo villages have long operated under constant fear of attacks from adjacent Tangkhul villages—including TM Kasom, Ringui, and Sirarikhong—due to repeated sightings of monitoring drones and previous violence along the MTP road.

The Village Authority stated that despite submitting repeated pleas to the civil administration and the Manipur State Government for adequate security forces to be deployed, their warnings were ignored. Demanding immediate state protection to prevent further loss of life, Chief Jamkholet Khongsai questioned how long vulnerable farmers must risk their lives simply attempting to cultivate their land.