Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has appealed for peace and communal harmony following the killing of a Rongmei Naga villager in an alleged militant attack in Kangpokpi district on June 8.
The incident took place in a forested area between Pongringlong and Pondaijang villages under the jurisdiction of New Keithelmanbi Police Station. According to officials, armed Kuki militants allegedly ambushed three villagers in the jungle, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to two others.
In a statement, the Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the incident and strongly condemned the violence. The deceased was identified as Chunjanglung Panmei (58), a resident of Pongringlong Part-I village.
Describing the attack as a “heinous and cowardly act,” Khemchand said joint operations involving Manipur Police and central paramilitary forces are underway to apprehend those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice. He also assured the victim’s family of all possible assistance and support from the state government.
The killing triggered widespread outrage in the region, with hundreds of residents, including women and members of the Zeliangrong community from the Longmai area, staging a protest at Charoi Pandongba Bazar along National Highway-37.
Protesters blocked traffic on the highway and raised slogans demanding justice for the victim. Demonstrators condemned the attack and called for stronger security measures to safeguard civilians living in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, a police team from New Keithelmanbi Police Station, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Samir and assisted by local volunteers, recovered the victim’s body from the site of the attack. The body has been sent to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for postmortem examination.
Authorities have stepped up security arrangements across the district to prevent any further escalation of tensions and maintain law and order.