At least four people have been killed in two separate incidents of violence in Manipur since Sunday night, triggering protests in Imphal and raising fresh concerns over the state’s fragile security situation.
On Monday, angry protesters brought the bodies of two victims to the residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in Imphal and placed them outside the main gate, demanding action against those responsible. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, and the bodies were later taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences.
The violence comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur, where ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities began in May 2023.
Three Villagers Shot Dead While Collecting Firewood
In one incident, suspected militants allegedly opened fire on a group of villagers collecting firewood in the hills near the boundary between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts.
According to local MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh, the victims had gone to the area early Monday morning when they came under attack. Police officials said around 16 people had gone to collect firewood.
Three people were reported killed in the shooting, while several others were injured. Some people were also reported missing following the incident.
The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, of Nongshum Mayai Leikai; Lairenlakpam Inaobi, whose age was reported as 44 in some accounts and 51 in others; and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32, of Uyumpok Mayai Leikai.
One of the injured, identified as Ksh Deven, was reported to be in serious condition. Chief Minister Singh visited injured people receiving treatment at Raj Medicity Hospital.
Police and security personnel subsequently secured the site of the shooting.
MLA Singh demanded immediate intervention by the authorities and called for the removal of Sinai Camp, a Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp located near the area. He also said Assam Rifles personnel had assured the firewood collectors that they would be protected.
Fourth Death Reported After Violence at Musical Event
In a separate incident, a 24-year-old man died from bullet injuries after violence reportedly broke out during a musical event in a locality inhabited by Meiteis and Pangal Muslims.
According to reports, stone-pelting and gunfire occurred during the incident, leaving several people injured.
The two incidents have intensified anger among residents, with protests reported in Imphal. The confrontation outside the chief minister’s residence prompted police to use tear gas to disperse demonstrators who had brought the victims’ bodies to the site.
Fresh Violence Raises Concerns Over Security
The latest killings come amid reports of other attacks in Manipur. On Sunday, at least 15 houses belonging to members of the Kuki community were reportedly set on fire in a village in Kamjong district, forcing residents to flee towards forest areas and a nearby Army camp.
A Kuki civilian was reportedly killed and four others injured in an attack by suspected militants. In a separate incident in Kamjong district on Saturday night, three Tangkhul Naga civilians sustained bullet injuries in an attack attributed to rival armed groups.
