Imphal:
The situation in Manipur has deteriorated following fresh outbreaks of violence. At least four people have died in two separate incidents last night and this morning. The murders have triggered protests and brought the city of Imphal to a near standstill.
Angry locals placed two bodies outside the chief minister's house in protest. The bodies were removed by the authorities.
Three people were killed, and three others were injured in an alleged attack by suspected Kuki militants at Uyumpok, near Nongsum Hills in Imphal East district, at around 9.30 am on Monday, raising fears of renewed Meitei-Kuki tensions after a brief period of relative calm.According to local MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh, the victims had gone to collect firewood in the area near the boundary between Imphal East and Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district when they were allegedly attacked.
The victims 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 have been identified as 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 in Imphal.
Reacting to the incident, MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh demanded immediate intervention by the authorities and the removal of a Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp identified as Sinai Camp, situated near the area.READ |
The MLA further said Assam Rifles personnel assured the firewood collectors they would be protected. The attack has raised concerns over the safety of civilians accessing the area and the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.
The killings threaten to aggravate mistrust between the Meitei and Kuki communities, whose relations have remained strained since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023. Given the sensitive location near the Imphal East-Kangpokpi boundary, any further escalation could undermine the fragile calm.The MLA called for immediate action, including removing the nearby SoO camp. The authorities are now expected to establish the circumstances of the attack, identify those responsible and take steps to prevent further violence.
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Locals placed two bodies of the victims outside the Chief Minister's Bungalow and protested.
