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Fresh violence has erupted in India’s Manipur state, leaving at least four people dead in two separate incidents on Sunday night and Monday morning. Protests over the killings have spread across the state, bringing the capital, Imphal, to a near standstill.
Angry residents staged a protest outside the chief minister’s residence, carrying the bodies of two of the victims. Police later forcibly removed the bodies from the site, NDTV reported online.
The first incident occurred during a musical programme in an area predominantly inhabited by Meiteis and Pangals, a Muslim community. Stones were reportedly thrown and gunshots fired, injuring several people in the crowd. A 24-year-old man later died of gunshot wounds.
The second incident took place at Khamenlok in Imphal East district, where at least three villagers collecting firewood in nearby hills were allegedly shot dead by suspected members of an armed tribal group. Three others were injured in the attack.
Police sources said Kuki armed groups were present in the area.
Angry villagers marched towards the heavily guarded residence of the Manipur chief minister in Imphal, carrying the victims’ bodies. They placed the bodies outside the residence and began protesting.
Police fired tear gas and resorted to baton charges in an attempt to disperse the demonstrators and bring the situation under control.
Meanwhile, security forces searched and secured the site of the fatal shooting following the violence. The injured are receiving treatment at RIMS Hospital in Imphal. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited the hospital to see them.
Local legislator Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh said the victims had gone to collect firewood in an area along the border between Imphal East district and Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. They were allegedly attacked there.
The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, son of Rajar of Nongshum Mayai Leikai, whose name was also reported as Ronin in some accounts; Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 44, son of Tambi of Uyumpok Nongshum Awang Leikai; and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32, son of K Sh Deben of Uyumpok Mayai Leikai.
Following the killings, legislator Singh called for urgent intervention by the authorities.He also demanded the removal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp known as Sinai Camp, located near the site of the attack.
Singh further said Assam Rifles personnel had assured the villagers that they would be provided security while collecting firewood.
Ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur in May 2023, and mistrust and tensions have persisted since then. The latest killings are feared to further escalate tensions between the two communities.
