Three killed in Manipur ambush; Imphal protests shut markets

Three people were killed and three others injured when suspected militants opened fire on a group collecting firewood near the Imphal East–Kangpokpi district border in Manipur on Monday morning, officials said. Three people remain missing, according to police.

The attack took place around 7 am at Khongbal Sunurok Uyok in Kangpokpi district, close to Nongshum village in Imphal East. The victims were among 16 people who had gone to the hills near their village to collect firewood, officials said. A survivor told reporters, “While we were loading the firewood, we were suddenly fired upon.”

The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 51, and Kshetrimayum Sushil, 32. Ronil and Inaobi died at the spot, while Sushil died of his injuries at a private hospital in Imphal, an official said. The injured — N Suraj, 19, Meisnam Somendro, 53, and K Bosan, 45 — are undergoing treatment.

The killings triggered protests in Imphal. Two of the bodies were placed outside the main gate of the Chief Minister’s residence in Babupara. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, and the bodies were later taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS). Security was tightened around the Chief Minister’s bungalow and on routes leading to it.

Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh visited the injured at a private hospital in Imphal but did not respond to questions from the media. Demonstrations were also held at Khurai Lamlong, where protesters blocked a road, and at Ema Keithel market, where a group of women staged a protest. Markets and shops across Imphal shut as anger grew over the attack. The situation remained tense, and further details were awaited.

The attack on firewood collectors was one of several incidents of violence reported in Manipur over the weekend. In Kamjong district, at least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki community were torched in Chassad village late on Saturday night, officials said on Sunday. Suspected militants allegedly set the houses on fire, forcing several civilians to flee to forest areas and a nearby Army camp. A Kuki civilian was killed and four others sustained bullet injuries when suspected militants attacked the village earlier on Sunday, PTI reported.

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence in Chassad, expressed grief over the death and concern for the injured village leaders and displaced families. She described the burning of houses as an intolerable crime and said she had directed the district administration, state police and security forces to remain vigilant round the clock, protect civilians and their property, and ensure those responsible were brought to justice.

Police said a joint team of the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Kamjong district police has been deployed in the area. Officials did not immediately identify the attackers or suggest a motive, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the ambush on the firewood collectors.

Manipur has witnessed recurrent violence since May 2023, with periodic attacks, protests and displacement. The latest killings have renewed demands for security in villages near the hill districts and for action against those responsible. Civil society groups have repeatedly appealed for calm and for the protection of civilians.