Manipur Violence: Protesters Try to Enter CM's Event as Tensions Rise in Imphal

Tensions escalated in Manipur after police stopped protesters attempting to reach an event attended by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in Imphal on Wednesday, following the killing of three Meitei men in a suspected militant attack. The confrontation took place outside the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, where the chief minister and state Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam were attending the inauguration of the first Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship. Police reportedly used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators as they tried to move towards the venue.

The protest followed the killing of three Meitei men in the Sunurok hills of Kangpokpi district on October 19. According to reports, the men were collecting firewood when armed assailants allegedly opened fire. Three other people were reported injured in the incident. The killings triggered anger among residents, with protesters demanding stronger action against those responsible and improved security for civilians. Demonstrators also questioned the government’s response to the continuing violence in the state.

A 48-hour shutdown called by the Native People’s Committee Manipur disrupted normal activities across the five Imphal Valley districts. Markets remained closed and public transport services were affected. Protest demonstrations were also reported in other parts of Imphal, including Khabeisoi, where protesters burned effigies of political representatives.

Women activists from the Meira Paibi movement also gathered outside the residence of Rajya Sabha MP A. Sharda Devi, seeking accountability over the killings and the prevailing security situation. Manipur has been affected by prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023, when clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities triggered widespread displacement, deaths and disruptions to daily life. Despite security measures and peace initiatives, recurring incidents continue to raise concerns about the stability of the state.

The latest protests have placed renewed pressure on the state government to strengthen security, investigate the killings and address public concerns. Authorities face the challenge of containing the immediate unrest while preventing further violence in the conflict-affected region.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.