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Residents bring two victims’ bodies to the Manipur Chief Minister’s residence in Imphal to protest the latest killings. (Img: X)
Imphal: Manipur witnessed fresh unrest on Monday after three people were reportedly killed in a suspected militant attack near Uyumpok and Nongshum, close to the boundary between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. According to local MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh, the victims had gone to collect firewood when they were allegedly attacked by armed assailants.
The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, of Nongshum Mayai Leikai; Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 44, of Uyumpok Nongshum Awang Leikai; and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32, of Uyumpok Mayai Leikai. Ronil was also referred to as Ronin in one report.
Reports differed on the number of people injured. One account said three people were injured, while another cited police officials as reporting four additional injuries and three people missing after the attack. Ksh Deven was described in one report as being in serious condition.
Three injured people identified as Meisnam Somendro, 55, Bonson Khingdram, 45, and Ngangom Suraj, 22, were reportedly undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity in Imphal. The exact casualty figures and the status of those reported missing require confirmation from the authorities.
Angry residents brought two victims’ bodies to the main gate of the Chief Minister’s residence in Imphal’s Babupara area, demanding action over the killings and continuing insecurity.
Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, after which the bodies were taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, according to reports. It was not immediately clear whether the Chief Minister was present at the residence during the demonstration.
The protest has intensified pressure on the state government to ensure civilian safety and establish accountability. The attack also highlights the risks faced by residents undertaking routine activities, including collecting firewood, in areas affected by armed violence.
MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh called for immediate government intervention and demanded the removal of Sinai Camp, identified as a Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp near the site of the attack.
The MLA also said Assam Rifles personnel had assured the firewood collectors that they would be protected. The attack has raised questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements near the sensitive Imphal East–Kangpokpi boundary.
Authorities are expected to investigate how the shooting occurred, identify those responsible and examine whether existing security measures were adequate. The allegations against suspected militants have yet to be established through a completed investigation.
The killings came amid reports of a separate wave of arson in Manipur’s Kamjong district, where at least 28 houses were reportedly set ablaze in separate incidents over 24 hours. The incidents allegedly affected Naga and Kuki settlements, forcing civilians to flee their homes and seek shelter in forests and a nearby Army camp.
At least 13 abandoned houses belonging to members of the Naga community were reportedly set on fire in Pilong and Skipe villages near the international border with Myanmar on Sunday. The houses had reportedly been deserted following earlier attacks on Naga settlements.
In another incident, at least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki community were reportedly torched in Chassad village on Saturday night. The attack forced residents to flee, following an earlier incident in which a Kuki civilian was killed and four others sustained bullet injuries.
Police said a joint column comprising the Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force and Kamjong Police had been deployed in the affected area. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence in Chassad and directed the district administration, police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, protect civilians and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
Separately, two people were injured when unidentified armed assailants reportedly opened fire on a car travelling between Gwaltabi and Mahadeva along National Highway 202, under Litan police station in Ukhrul district.
Three Tangkhul Naga civilians also reportedly sustained bullet injuries during an attack involving rival armed groups in the Kamjong district headquarters area on Saturday night. The circumstances of these incidents and the identities of those responsible remain subject to investigation.
The latest incidents come against the backdrop of ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, severely straining relations between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Fresh attacks, arson and civilian displacement have renewed concerns that further violence could deepen mistrust and destabilise an already fragile situation.
The incidents in Imphal East, Kangpokpi, Kamjong and Ukhrul involve different locations and reported circumstances. Any connection between them must be established by investigators. However, their cumulative impact has placed civilian protection and the effectiveness of security deployments firmly in focus.
For affected families, the consequences extend beyond the immediate loss of life and property. Displacement disrupts livelihoods, restricts access to basic necessities and leaves residents uncertain about when they can safely return home.
