Sit-in protests across Manipur demand justice for three civilians killed in the October 19 attack in Kangpokpi district.
IMPHAL — People, mostly women, staged sit-in protests at various locations across Manipur on Thursday, demanding justice for the three civilians killed in an attack in the Khongban Tangkhul hill ranges of Kangpokpi district on October 19.
The protesters, dressed in mourning attire, displayed placards bearing slogans such as “Save Indigenous People of Manipur” and “Stop Proxy War”, expressing concern over the safety of civilians and demanding action against those responsible for the killings.
The protests disrupted normal life across the state, particularly in the five valley districts.
Streets in Imphal and other major towns wore a deserted look as local transport operators suspended their services for the day. Shops in major markets, including those in Imphal and peripheral areas, also remained closed.
The widespread sit-in protests were organised under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the killing of the three firewood collectors.
The protesters demanded that the government take immediate action against those responsible for the attack.
The deceased were identified as A Ronil (35) and L Inaobi (51), both from Nongshum village, and Ksh Sushil (32) of Uyumpok Mamang Leikai. M Somendro (55) and Bonson Kh (45), both from the Uyumpok area, and Ng Suraj (22) of Nongshum sustained injuries in the attack in the Khongban Tangkhul hill ranges on October 19.
Condemning the killings, a woman protester in Imphal said people in the state had been yearning for peace, stability and normalcy, but the government had failed to meet their expectations despite repeatedly claiming that peace was gradually returning.
Rani, secretary of the Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup, said the organisation had joined the sit-in protest to express its anguish over the killings.
Family members of Ksh Sushil also took part in a sit-in protest at Uyumpok Mamang Leikai, around 25 km northeast of Imphal in Imphal East district.
The protests came close on the heels of a 48-hour state-wide general strike called by the Native People Committee Manipur and supported by the JAC formed in connection with the killings.