Manipur burns: killings continue; protesters place bodies before CM’s residence

Imphal: Anger over the prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur erupted outside Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s residence as protesters brought the bodies of two people killed in an armed attack to his main gate in Imphal’s Babupara area. Police repeatedly fired tear gas to disperse the gathering before the bodies were shifted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences.

The victims were killed near the boundary between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. According to police, an armed group opened fire on people collecting firewood near Nongshum village, in the Khongbal Sunurok Uyok area of Kangpokpi. Four others were injured, one critically, while three people were reported missing after the attack.

The protest reflected mounting public anger over violence that has continued in the state since May 2023. It remained unclear whether the chief minister was present at his residence during the demonstration.

Fresh attacks were also reported from Kamjong district, where at least 15 houses belonging to members of the Kuki community were set ablaze on Sunday. Residents fled towards forested areas and a nearby military camp for safety. PTI reported that one Kuki man was killed and four others sustained gunshot injuries in the attack.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man, Thokchom Rakesh, died after being hit by pellet fire during a clash at a musical event in Thoubal district. Three other injured people were reported to be in critical condition. Police said the cause of the confrontation remained under investigation.

Authorities imposed prohibitory orders in and around the revenue villages of Sangaiyumpham and Khangabok from 11 pm on October 18, restricting residents from leaving their homes until further orders to prevent further violence.