Manipur CM Meets Families of Three Slain Firewood Collectors, Assures Government Support

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday visited the families of three firewood collectors from the Meitei community who were killed in an attack last week, assuring them of all possible assistance from the state government.

The visit comes amid protests across the Imphal Valley condemning the killings and demanding justice for the victims.

According to a senior official from the Chief Minister’s Office, Singh visited Nongshum in Imphal East district and met the families of Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaobi and Kshetrimayum Sushil. The three men were allegedly ambushed by suspected armed militants near the boundary between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts on October 19.

The Chief Minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the government would stand by them and extend all possible support.

Chief Minister Hears Demands for Justice

During the visit, Singh also met representatives of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), listened to their concerns and assured them that their legitimate demands would be considered seriously.

MLAs Kh. Ibomcha Singh and Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh accompanied the Chief Minister during his meeting with the victims’ families.

Later, Singh visited a private hospital in the North AOC area of Imphal, accompanied by MLA Kh. Ibomcha Singh, to enquire about the condition of two civilians injured in the October 19 attack.

He directed hospital authorities to ensure that the injured received the best possible medical treatment and wished them a full and speedy recovery.

Security Forces Continue Search Operations

Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh had earlier said that a joint team of central and state security forces was continuing search operations to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing of the three men in Kangpokpi district.

The killings have triggered demonstrations by various organisations across the Imphal Valley, with protesters condemning the attack and calling for justice, peace and a return to normalcy.

Protests have continued since last week amid a shutdown affecting the valley, which comprises Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts and is predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community.

Authorities continue to face demands for accountability as security operations proceed and efforts are made to address the concerns of the victims’ families and local organisations.