Three killed in fresh violence in Manipur; bodies taken to CM's residence in protest

IMPHAL: Three people were killed, and three others were injured after an armed group attacked villagers who had gone to collect firewood in Manipur. The attack took place around 7 am near the Imphal East-Kangpokpi district border. Three people were also reported missing, officials said.

Following the attack, local residents staged a protest by taking two bodies to the residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters. The bodies were later shifted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS).

The attackers opened fire on a group of 16 people who had gone to collect firewood in a hilly area near Nongshum village in Imphal East. The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil (35), Lairenlakpam Inaobi (51) and Kshetrimayum Sushil (32). Ronil and Inaobi died on the spot, while Sushil succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital in Imphal.

The injured, N. Suraj (19), Meinam Somendro (53) and K. Bosan (45), are undergoing treatment at a hospital. A search is underway for the three missing persons. One of the injured said the attack took place suddenly while the group was loading firewood onto a vehicle.

Meanwhile, commercial establishments in Imphal remained closed following the attack. Protests have also spread to several parts of the region. Violence was reported from different parts of the state on Saturday as well. Officials said at least 15 houses belonging to members of the Kuki community were set on fire at Chassad village in Kamjong district during the night.

Preliminary information suggests that a notorious armed group in the area was behind the arson. Following the attack, several residents fled to nearby forests and military camps for shelter. A news agency had also reported that a Kuki man was killed and four others suffered bullet injuries in another attack in the village on Sunday. The fresh attacks and protests come amid the ethnic violence that has continued in Manipur since 2023.