Shantikumar died at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, also known as PGI Hospital, after undergoing a prolonged treatment.

Hailing from Wangkhei Thokpam Leikai, Imphal East, Shantikumar had been serving as a sub-editor in a local daily Ireibak and was a member of the All Manipur Working Journalists'Union Union. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Santikumar is the second journalist from Manipur who succumbed to COVID-19. On May 30, former AMWJU president S Hemant died of COVID-19.