Manipur shutdown cripples normal life in valley districts after three Meitei villagers killed

Imphal, October 20 (IANS) Normal life was disrupted across Manipur’s valley districts on Tuesday during a 48-hour shutdown called by a civil society organisation to protest against the killing of three members of the Meitei community by suspected militants, officials said.Shops, markets, educational institutions, business establishments and government and private offices remained closed in the five valley districts -- Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching -- which are predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community, in view of the shutdown.A police official said that public transport remained off the roads, while only a few private vehicles were seen plying in the affected areas.Members of the Native People Committee Manipur (NPCM), which called the shutdown for Tuesday and Wednesday, blocked roads and staged protests in different parts of Imphal East and Imphal West districts to condemn the killing of three firewood collectors at Sunurok hills in Kangpokpi district on Monday.Security has been further tightened in and around the state capital, with additional Central and state security forces deployed as a precautionary measure, the official said.No untoward incident had been reported from the shutdown-bound areas so far, although protesters staged demonstrations at several locations, including along national and state highways.On Monday night, protesters burnt tyres on roads at Kwakeithel and Chingmeirong in Imphal West district and Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district, disrupting movement in the areas.Three people were killed and four others injured when suspected armed militants opened fire on a group of villagers who had gone to collect firewood in Kangpokpi district on Monday, police said.According to a police statement, the suspected militants fired at a group of around 14 villagers at Khongbal Tangkhul, under Sagolmang police station in Kangpokpi district. Three villagers belonging to the Meitei community succumbed to their bullet injuries, while four others sustained injuries in the firing. The injured villagers were evacuated from the area and admitted to hospitals for medical treatment, the statement said.The statement further said that Manipur Police, in close coordination with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Assam Rifles and other security agencies, were working continuously to maintain law and order, prevent further escalation of violence and ensure the safety and security of the public.Police said intensified action was being taken against those involved in the incidents. All necessary legal and operational measures would be pursued to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, the statement added.Manipur Police also appealed to all sections of society to cooperate with the security forces and the administration in maintaining peace and preventing further violence.