At least four people were killed in two separate incidents of violence in Manipur, triggering protests in Imphal and bringing normal activities in parts of the state capital to a near standstill.
The killings took place on Monday night and Tuesday morning, with the incidents sparking fresh tension amid the continuing strain between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
In one incident, a 24-year-old man died after being hit by a bullet during violence at a musical event in a locality inhabited by Meiteis and Pangal Muslims. Stone-pelting and gunfire reportedly broke out during the gathering, leaving several people injured.
In a separate incident at Khamenlok in Imphal East district, three villagers were allegedly shot dead by suspected tribal militants while collecting firewood in the nearby hills. Three other people sustained injuries in the attack.
According to local MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh, the victims had gone to collect firewood near the boundary between Imphal East and the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district when the shooting took place.
The deceased have been identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 44, and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32. The three injured persons, identified as Meisnam Somendro, 55, Bonson Khingdram, 45, and Ngangom Suraj, 22, are undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal.
Protesters Carry Bodies To Chief Minister’s Residence
The killings triggered widespread anger, with villagers carrying the bodies of the victims towards the high-security residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in Imphal.
The protesters reportedly entered the premises and placed two bodies outside the Chief Minister’s residence. Authorities later removed the bodies, while security personnel used tear gas and resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the agitated crowd.
The fresh violence prompted security agencies to secure and sanitise the site of the fatal shooting. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also visited Raj Medicity Hospital to meet the injured persons undergoing treatment.
Reacting to the killings, MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh called for immediate intervention by the authorities and demanded the removal of Sinai Camp, a camp operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement, located near the area.
The legislator also said Assam Rifles personnel had assured the villagers collecting firewood that they would be protected.
The latest incidents have raised concerns over a possible escalation of violence in Manipur, where relations between the Meitei and Kuki communities have remained tense since ethnic clashes broke out in May 2023.