Imphal: Two organisations in Manipur has called separate statewide shutdowns to protest the killing of three Meitei civilians in a shooting in Kangpokpi district, with a 48-hour general strike called by the Native People’s Committee Manipur (NHCM) beginning at midnight on October 19.
The Ireipak Kanba Apunba Lup (IKAL) also called a separate 24-hour statewide bandh, scheduled to end at midnight on October 20. Both shutdowns were announced following the killing of three firewood collectors in the Khongbal area of Kangpokpi district.
According to the NHCM, the deceased were residents of Uyumpok and Nongshum in Imphal East district. Several other civilians were injured in the attack.
In a statement, the NHCM criticised the government over what it described as a failure to restore public confidence in security arrangements. The committee said the strike was intended to press the state and central governments to strengthen civilian security and ensure accountability for the killings.
The NHCM’s demands include the immediate resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, intensified military operations against armed groups and the identification and dismantling of unauthorised militant camps. It also called for a transparent, time-bound investigation into the shooting, a clear decision on the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and stronger security guarantees for indigenous residents.
Both organisations said their shutdowns would cover the hill and valley districts of Manipur but exempt essential services, healthcare facilities, emergency medical care and religious institutions.
The organisers also appealed to the public to maintain peace and ensure the unhindered movement of ambulances and vehicles transporting essential supplies.