Correspondent
IMPHAL, OCT 19: Three villagers were killed and four others injured when suspected militants ambushed a group collecting firewood in a forest along the Imphal East-Kangpokpi district border on Monday morning, triggering protests across the Imphal valley.
Angry protesters, who blamed Kuki militants for the attack, carried the bodies of two victims to the Chief Minister’s bungalow in Imphal. Police later removed the bodies and dispersed the crowd using tear gas and lathi-charge.
According to police, the attack took place around 9:30 a.m. near Nongshum and Khongbal (Tangkhul) village along the inter-district border. The area falls under the jurisdiction of Sagolmang police station in Imphal East district and is considered vulnerable due to the presence of armed groups in the adjoining hill areas.
Two victims died on the spot, while the third succumbed to his injuries at Raj Medicity hospital in Imphal, where the four injured villagers were also admitted. Their condition was stated to be stable and out of danger.
The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil (35), Lairenlakpam Inaobi (44) and Kh Sushil (32). All three were residents of Nongshum village.
Local police and security personnel from nearby posts rushed to the scene following the attack and evacuated the injured. The bodies were later retrieved by police with the assistance of villagers.
The killings triggered widespread anger, with villagers marching towards the high-security Chief Minister’s bungalow carrying the bodies of two victims. They were joined by a large number of people from the Khurai area of Imphal East district.
Protesters expressed frustration over repeated attacks on civilians and questioned the authorities’ ability to ensure their safety, while demanding immediate intervention and accountability.
Police dispersed the gathering and took the bodies to the morgue of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal. Eleven protesters were detained but later released in the Khurai Lamlong area following another protest by residents.