Four Killed in Fresh Violence in India’s Manipur; Protesters March on Chief Minister’s Residence

At least four people have been killed in fresh violence in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, triggering protests in the state capital, Imphal, where angry demonstrators carried two bodies to the chief minister’s residence.

Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse the protesters after tensions escalated outside the heavily guarded residence.

According to a report published by Indian news outlet NDTV on Monday, the deaths occurred in two separate incidents.

The first incident took place in an area inhabited by Meitei and Pangals, a Muslim community. Stones were thrown and gunshots were fired during a musical event, leaving several people injured. A 24-year-old man later died from gunshot wounds.

The second incident occurred in Khamenlok in Imphal East district, where suspected armed men allegedly opened fire on villagers who had gone to the hills to collect firewood. At least three people were killed and three others injured in the attack. Citing police sources, the report mentioned the presence of Kuki armed groups in the area.

Following the killings, agitated residents marched towards Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s heavily secured residence in Imphal, carrying the bodies of two victims. At one point, the protesters placed the bodies inside the residence compound before authorities removed them. Police subsequently used tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd.

According to Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh, a legislator from Imphal East district, the villagers were collecting firewood in a border area between Imphal East and the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district when they were allegedly attacked. He said personnel of the Assam Rifles had assured the villagers of their safety.

Three of the victims have been identified as 35-year-old Arubam Ronil, also known as Ronin, son of Rajar of Nongshum Mayai Leikai; 44-year-old Lairenlakpam Inobi, son of Tombi of Uyumpok Nongshum Awang Leikai; and 32-year-old Khertimayum Sushil, son of Khertimayum Deben of Uyumpok Mayai Leikai.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Raj Medicity Hospital to meet those injured in the violence. Security forces also searched and secured the site of the attack.

Legislator Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh has called for urgent intervention by the authorities. He also urged the government to relocate the camp known as “Sinai Camp”, a Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp situated near the site of the attack.