Imphal: Two people were killed and three others injured in a shooting near the Imphal East–Kangpokpi district border on Monday morning, triggering protests in Imphal and prompting security forces to fire tear gas to disperse a crowd marching towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow.
The shooting occurred at around 9.30 am near Sunurok Uyok, where suspected Kuki gunmen allegedly opened fire on members of the Meitei community, according to reports.
The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, and Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 51, both residents of Nongshum.
The three injured men—Maisnam Somendro, Ngangom Tonaobi and Ksh Sushil—were taken to Raj Medicity Hospital for treatment. Sushil is reported to be in serious condition.
Later in the afternoon, angry residents from Imphal East district attempted to take the bodies of the two deceased to the gates of the Chief Minister’s bungalow to protest the killings. Security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Authorities tightened security across Imphal to prevent further unrest as tensions rose following the shooting.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of those responsible were not immediately established.