Normal life in Manipur has been severely disrupted following the killing of three Meitei men by suspected militants. Protests, road blockades and clashes with police have intensified public anger over the deteriorating security situation in the state.
The violence followed an attack on October 19, when suspected armed militants allegedly ambushed a group of 14 Meitei men who had gone to collect firewood in the Sunurok hills area of Kangpokpi district. Three men were killed, while several others were injured.
The incident triggered widespread outrage, particularly in the Imphal Valley. Residents and civil society groups have demanded swift action against those responsible. They have also questioned the government’s ability to protect civilians who enter forest areas for their livelihood.
48-Hour Shutdown Affects Markets and Transport
The Native People Committee Manipur called a 48-hour shutdown beginning at midnight on October 20 to protest the killings. The shutdown affected normal activities across the five Imphal Valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching.
Markets, educational institutions and business establishments remained closed in several areas. Public transport was also largely off the roads, while private vehicles were seen in limited numbers.
Protesters blocked roads and staged demonstrations at different locations. In parts of Imphal, demonstrators also burnt tyres and effigies to express their anger over the killings and demand accountability.
The shutdown significantly affected daily life, including business activities and commuting. Organisers called on residents to support the protest and press the authorities to take decisive action.
Separately, a joint action committee formed on October 21 announced statewide sit-in protests for Thursday, October 22. It appealed to people to suspend daily activities and urged schools and colleges to support the demonstrations.
Protesters Clash With Police Outside Sports Complex
Tensions escalated on Wednesday when protesters clashed with police outside the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and state Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam were attending the first Manipur Poomsae Taekwondo Championship inside the venue.
Women protesters attempted to enter the sports complex. They argued that the state’s leadership should prioritise the worsening law and order situation instead of attending a sporting event while civilians continued to lose their lives.
Police fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Three people reportedly sustained minor injuries during the confrontation.
The event was also attended by delegates from South Korea. The protest highlighted the growing frustration among sections of the public over the government’s response to the latest killings.
In another demonstration at Khabeisoi in Imphal East district, protesters burnt effigies of Rajya Sabha MP A. Sharda Devi and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam.
Members of the Meira Paibi women’s movement also gathered outside Sharda Devi’s residence in Brahmapur. They questioned what they described as her silence over the killings. The protesters later left after she assured them through a video call that their demands would be conveyed to the government.
Civil Society Groups Demand Accountability
Civil society organisations have called for immediate action against the suspected attackers and stronger security arrangements in vulnerable areas.
The Native People Committee Manipur has raised concerns about armed camps near the Khongbal Tangkhul foothills and the Khamenlok area. It has demanded that unauthorised camps be removed and that security forces take steps to prevent further attacks.
The committee has also sought a transparent, time-bound investigation into the killings. Its demands include a clear decision on the Suspension of Operations agreement and accountability for those allegedly involved in the violence.
These are demands made by the committee and do not, by themselves, establish responsibility for the attack. The investigation and evidence gathered by the authorities will be important in determining the circumstances of the killings.
Meanwhile, police reported a separate incident near Pechi village in Thoubal district. According to an officer, four daily-wage workers were allegedly assaulted by people claiming to be volunteers enforcing the shutdown. One person was injured. Police said they rescued the workers and registered a case on their own initiative.
Manipur’s Fragile Security Situation Raises Fresh Concerns
The latest killings have renewed concerns about civilian safety amid Manipur’s prolonged ethnic conflict. Violence between the valley-based Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki community erupted in May 2023 and has resulted in hundreds of deaths, displacement and continuing insecurity.
The current protests have added pressure on the state government to restore confidence in its security arrangements. The attack on people collecting firewood has also raised concerns about the risks faced by residents who depend on nearby forests for their daily needs.
Opposition leaders have called for discussions with the chief minister over the situation. The state police, meanwhile, have said they are coordinating with central security forces and other agencies to maintain law and order.
The coming days will be crucial as protest groups continue to demand justice and stronger protection for civilians. Authorities will need to investigate the killings impartially, identify those responsible and prevent further violence.
For residents, restoring normal life will depend not only on the reopening of markets and transport services but also on credible steps to improve security. With anger still running high, preventing further clashes and ensuring that protests remain peaceful will be essential to avoiding another escalation of the state’s fragile situation.