Six women injured as police disperse protesters in Manipur

IMPHAL, Oct 21 (NPN): At least six women were injured when police and security forces used tear gas shells and stun grenades to disperse protesters attempting to disrupt the inauguration of a sports event attended by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Wednesday.
The protesters were angered by the chief minister’s participation in the event while the state was mourning the deaths of three Meitei villagers killed in Monday’s armed attack along the Imphal East-Kangpokpi inter-district border.
The chief minister attended the inaugural function of the 1st Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 at the Indoor Stadium of the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, even as a 48-hour total shutdown continued across the valley districts.
The shutdown was called in protest against the killing of three Meitei firewood collectors at Sunurok Hills and had disrupted normal life throughout the region.
As the programme went ahead despite the strike, a large group of protesters, mostly women enforcing the shutdown at Khurai Lamlong Bazar, marched toward the venue and staged a demonstration at its main gate.
Tensions escalated when police and security personnel prevented them from entering the stadium complex.
The confrontation intensified after the protesters refused to disperse, prompting security forces to fire tear gas shells and stun grenades.
At least six women sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals. Three were admitted to Raj Medicity Hospital and three to JNIMS Hospital. One of the injured is reported to be in critical but stable condition.
The protesters argued that the chief minister should have refrained from attending public events in view of public sentiment and the recent killings.
The sports event continued after authorities brought the situation under control and deployed additional security personnel along routes leading to the venue.
Shutdown paralyses normal life
Meanwhile, normal life remained disrupted across Manipur’s valley districts for the second consecutive day due to the shutdown called by the Native People’s Committee Manipur.
Markets, banks and educational institutions remained closed, while public transport stayed off the roads. Government offices functioned with reduced attendance as protesters blocked roads and staged demonstrations demanding accountability for the latest attack. Apart from the clash outside the sports venue and the burning of effigies of the chief minister, home minister and the state’s Rajya Sabha MP, no major incidents were reported during the day. At Khabeisoi in Imphal East district, protesters burned effigies of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Rajya Sabha MP A Sarda Devi while enforcing the shutdown along NH-202 (Imphal-Ukhrul Road). The shutdown was called by the Native People’s Committee Manipur, which questioned the government’s claims of restoring peace and normalcy in the state.
Three suspects arrested
The protest continued despite police announcing the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in Monday’s attack during a joint operation with central security forces. In a statement issued late Tuesday, police said the arrested individuals were active cadres of the KNF (Kuki National Front)-N faction. They were identified as Heminthang Khongsai (21) of L Chajang village, Lungupao Kipgen alias Lagun (20) of C Zoluen village, and Seilal Haokip alias Alan (46) of Laikot Chajang village, all in Imphal East district.
The arrests were made during an operation at Phllengkot village under Sagolmang Police Station. Police said a large cache of arms and warlike stores was also recovered during the joint operation conducted by Imphal East district commandos, the CRPF and its CoBRA unit.
Police had earlier claimed that the arrested cadres admitted involvement in Monday’s attack, which killed three Meitei villagers and injured three others.