A young woman who was gang-raped during the early days of Manipur’s ethnic violence in May 2023 has died after battling physical injuries and psychological trauma for nearly three years. The victim, who was 18 at the time of the assault, passed away on January 10 in Singhat, Manipur. She belonged to the Kuki community and had reportedly never fully recovered from the ordeal.

Kidnapped and Assaulted at Gunpoint

According to an FIR filed on July 21, 2023, the survivor stated that she was abducted on May 15, 2023, by four armed men wearing black T-shirts. She was forced into a white Bolero and taken to a remote hilly area, where three of the men allegedly gang-raped her repeatedly while the driver waited outside. She was kept blindfolded, denied food and water, and subjected to extreme brutality through the night.

Daring Escape and Medical Struggle

At dawn, under the pretext of using the toilet, the woman managed to remove her blindfold and escape. She fled downhill and was helped by a vegetable vendor who took her toward a police station. Fearing approaching Meitei police personnel, she refused assistance and was instead taken home. She later received treatment in Kangpokpi and was eventually shifted to a hospital in Kohima, Nagaland.

Her mother stated that the injuries sustained during the assault led to chronic breathing complications, which worsened over time and ultimately caused her death.

CBI Probe, No Arrests Yet

The case was transferred to the CBI on July 22, 2023, but no arrests have been made so far, triggering anger and grief within the Kuki community. Candlelight marches demanding justice were held in Churachandpur on January 17.

Manipur Still on Edge

The woman’s death comes amid renewed tensions in Manipur. Ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted after a High Court recommendation on Meitei ST status, has displaced thousands.

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned in February 2025, after which President’s Rule was imposed, now extended until February 2026. Fresh threats by armed militants have raised fears of further unrest.

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