Fresh violence in Manipur has left at least four people dead in two separate incidents since last night, triggering protests and bringing Imphal to a near standstill.
Angry protesters brought two bodies to the high-security residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, demanding action over the killings. Authorities later removed the bodies from the premises.
In the first incident, violence reportedly broke out during a musical event in a locality inhabited by Meiteis and Pangal Muslims. Stone-pelting and gunfire left several people in the crowd injured, while a 24-year-old man later succumbed to bullet injuries, media reported.
In a separate incident at Khamenlok in Imphal East district, at least three villagers were reportedly shot dead by suspected tribal militants while collecting firewood in the nearby hills. Police sources said the area has a presence of Kuki militant groups. Three others were also injured in the attack.
The killings prompted villagers to march towards the chief minister’s high-security bungalow in Imphal with the victims’ bodies. The agitated crowd entered the premises and left the bodies there, following which police used tear gas and resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the protesters, the publication added.
CM Visits Injured As Security Agencies Sanitise Attack Site
Meanwhile, security agencies sanitised the site of the fatal shooting. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also visited the injured persons receiving treatment at Raj Medicity Hospital.
The fresh incidents have intensified tensions across the state, with activities in and around Imphal coming to a near standstill amid fears of further escalation.
According to local MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh, the victims were collecting firewood near the boundary between Imphal East and Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district when they were allegedly attacked.
The deceased have been identified as Arubam Ronil, also reported as Ronin, 35, son of Raja, of Nongshum Mayai Leikai; Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 44, son of Tombi, of Uyumpok Nongshum Awang Leikai; and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32, son of Ksh Deven, of Uyumpok Mayai Leikai.
The three injured persons are Meisnam Somendro, 55, son of late M. Borsing; Bonson Khingdram, 45; and Ngangom Suraj, 22, son of Ng. Dara. All three are undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal.
Reacting to the killings, MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh called for immediate intervention by the authorities and demanded the removal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp known as Sinai Camp, located near the area.
The MLA also said Assam Rifles personnel had assured the firewood collectors that they would be protected.
The latest killings could further deepen mistrust between the Meitei and Kuki communities, whose relations have remained strained since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023. The sensitive location near the Imphal East-Kangpokpi boundary has raised concerns that further violence could undermine the fragile calm.
The MLA reiterated his demand for immediate action, including the removal of the nearby SoO camp.
Source: News18