Imphal: Protests took place across Manipur’s valley districts on Thursday over the October 19 killing of three civilians at the Khongban Sunurok Uyok hill range.
Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and MP A. Sarda Devi, accusing the government of failing to ensure public safety amid the ongoing crisis.
The protests followed a statewide sit-in call by a newly formed Joint Action Committee (JAC). All educational institutions in the valley districts remained closed in response to the call.
The victims, identified as Arubam Ronil, Lairenlkpam Inaobi and Kshetrimayum Sushil, were attacked while collecting firewood. Several other people were injured in the assault.
In Imphal, security forces clashed with All India Students Federation (AISF) members near Kangla Gate after the protesters tried to march towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters. Several people were detained.
Meanwhile, hundreds of women vendors from the historic Khwairamband Ima Keithel market closed their shops and took part in a rally.
They questioned the government’s claims that travel within the state was safe and demanded accountability for the continuing civilian casualties.