Manipur unrest: Three firewood collectors killed in ambush; bodies placed outside CM’s residence

PTC Web Desk: Three villagers who had gone into the hills to collect firewood were shot dead in Manipur on Monday, allegedly by militants. The attack set off angry protests in Imphal, where residents carried two of the bodies to the Chief Minister’s residence.

The firing took place on the border of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. Three other persons were injured and officials said three more are missing.

How the attack took place

A group of 16 persons had left for the hills near their village at around 7 am to gather firewood. Militants allegedly ambushed them and opened fire.

Arubam Ronil (35) and Lairenlakpam Inaobi (51) died at the spot. Kshetrimayum Sushil (32) was rushed to a private hospital but did not survive, an official said.

The three injured are N Suraj (19), Meisnam Somendro (53) and K Bosan (45). All are being treated at a private hospital.

Bodies taken to the CM’s residence

Furious locals brought the bodies to Imphal and placed them outside the main gate of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh’s residence in Babupara. They were protesting the continuing violence in the state, which has gone on since May 2023. It was not immediately clear whether the Chief Minister was at home during the protest.

The police fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd. The bodies were then moved to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences. Security has been stepped up around the CM’s bungalow and the roads leading to it.

Later, the Chief Minister visited the injured at the hospital. He did not respond to questions from the media.

Tension across Imphal

The anger spread to other parts of the city. Protesters blocked a road at Khurai Lamlong, while a group of women held a demonstration at Ema Keithel. Markets and shops across Imphal remained shut after the incident.