Manipur CM condemns ‘killing of innocent civilians’ as security forces launch combing operation
Manipur chief minister Y Khemchand Singh on Monday condemned the killing of three civilians by suspected militants in the border area of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts and directed officials to strengthen security in vulnerable areas of the state.The three victims were among a group of Meitei villagers collecting firewood in a forest when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them, officials said.Three others were injured and three people were reported missing.The attack triggered protests in Imphal, where demonstrators placed two bodies outside the chief minister's residence. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.Singh chaired a security review meeting attended by home minister Govindas Konthoujam, chief secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, security advisor Kuldiep Singh, director general of police Mukesh Singh and senior officers from the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and other security agencies.
An official statement said the meeting reviewed the state's overall security situation and discussed the previous day's incident in Thoubal district and the latest attack in Imphal East.The chief minister “strongly condemned the killing of innocent civilians by armed miscreants at Nongshum in Imphal East district”, the statement said.
Combing operation launched, helicopters deployed
Security forces launched a combing operation in the Sunurok hills of Kangpokpi district following the attack, deploying sniffer dogs and drones to search the area.
Helicopters were also being used for surveillance, news agency ANI reported.Additional director general of police (law and order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said unidentified militants opened fire at around 9.40 am on a group of villagers cutting and transporting firewood near Sunurok hills under Sagolmang police station.“Three individuals died in the incident while three more sustained injuries and they are now under medical care,” Lhatoo said.A joint team comprising police, CRPF, CoBRA, Assam Rifles and BSF personnel was conducting the operation, he added. Mobile checkposts had also been established, while security agencies were closely monitoring the situation.“Police, in close coordination with CRPF, BSF, Army, Assam Rifles and other sister security agencies, is working continuously to maintain law and order, and to prevent further escalation,” Lhatoo said.He assured the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible and appealed to people to exercise restraint.Singh later visited the injured at a private hospital and assured them that the state government would cover their medical expenses.
NDA MLAs condemn killings
The chief minister subsequently chaired a meeting of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislators at the chief minister's Secretariat.In a social media post, Singh said the legislators had unanimously condemned the killings and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.“The legislators unanimously condemned the killings of three civilians in the strongest terms. They demanded that police and security forces apprehend the perpetrators of the crime immediately,” he said.Protests also erupted at Khwairamband Ima market in Imphal following the attack, with heavy security deployed in the area.
Fresh violence follows deadly clash in Thoubal
The killings came a day after violence in Manipur's Thoubal district left one person dead and several others injured in clashes between two communities.The confrontation reportedly took place during a musical programme at Cherapur in Khangabok.District authorities imposed prohibitory orders in the affected areas, restricting residents from leaving their homes. A few houses and vehicles were also set on fire.
The deceased was identified as Laishram Rakesh Singh, who was reportedly struck by a stone during the clashes. Villagers subsequently blocked National Highway 2, demanding justice and action against those involved in his death.In a separate social media post, Singh said he had met representatives of a Joint Action Committee formed over Rakesh's killing.
The committee submitted a memorandum raising concerns about the case, and the chief minister assured its members that their demands would be examined and appropriate action taken under the law.