Kuki Woman Dies After 2023 Manipur Ethnic Violence; Groups Demand Justice and Separate Administration

A 20-year-old Kuki woman from Manipur, allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped during the ethnic violence in May 2023, died in January 2026 after prolonged physical and psychological trauma. Despite filing a complaint, no arrests have been made, and the investigation has seen limited progress. Kuki organisations have held vigils, demanding justice and official recognition of her death as linked to the violence. They also renewed calls for a separate administration for the Kuki community amid ongoing ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur.