Protesters leave bodies of 2 killed men outside Manipur CM’s residence, tear gas fired
New Delhi: Fresh violence in Manipur claimed the lives of two men on Monday after a group of firewood collectors was allegedly ambushed near the border of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. The killings triggered protests in Imphal, where angry residents brought a body and left it outside Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh’s residence.
Security personnel deployed outside the CM’s bungalow fired several tear gas shells to disperse the protesters and prevent the situation from escalating further, PTI reported. It was not immediately known whether Singh was present at his residence during the protest.
Officials said four other people were injured when suspected militants allegedly opened fire on the group. The deceased were identified as 35-year-old Arubam Ronil and 51-year-old Lairenlakpam Inaobi.
16 firewood collectors ambushed, three missing
According to officials, 16 people had gone to the hills near their village at around 7 am to collect firewood when they came under attack. The incident took place at Khongbal Sunurok Uyok in Kangpokpi district, a few metres from Nongshum village in Imphal East.
Three people are reportedly missing following the attack. The injured were caught in the firing as the group came under attack in the forest area.
The killings have added to the tension in the state, which has witnessed repeated incidents of violence involving armed groups and civilians. The bodies were later taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal.
Tensions escalate in Manipur
The latest incident comes amid continuing violence in other parts of Manipur. On Saturday, a gunfight involving armed groups from the Kuki and Naga communities was reported in Chassad village in Kamjong district.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, 36-year-old Seikhohou Haokip died after sustaining injuries in the violence. Four others including village head Thangjahou Haokip, were also injured in the incident.
Assam Rifles personnel rescued the injured and took them to a hospital run by the paramilitary force in Chassad, an officer told Hindustan Times.
The latest killings and protests have raised fresh concerns over civilian safety in Manipur. Security personnel remain deployed in the affected areas as authorities work to prevent further violence and establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks.