Anger over the killing of three civilians at Khongban Sunurok spilled onto the streets of Uyumpok in Imphal East today, with protesters burning effigies of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Rajya Sabha MP Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, demanding their resignations over the deteriorating law-and-order situation.
The protest followed the killing of three people and injuries to several others in an attack by suspected Kuki militants at Sunurok Uyok along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi district periphery. Protesters accused the government of failing to protect civilians despite repeated assurances of a return to normalcy.
Raising slogans against the killings, demonstrators held the state leadership and the MP accountable for the prevailing security situation and demanded that they step down. Members of the Tangkhul Naga community from neighbouring Khongban Tangkhul village also joined the demonstration, reflecting solidarity across the neighbouring communities affected by the incident.
After the protest, demonstrators visited the residence of Kshetrimayum Sushil, one of the victims, and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
Akhui Zimik, village chief of Khongban Tangkhul, condemned the killings and said the loss of innocent lives must not be allowed to recur. He noted that Khongban Tangkhul, Uyumpok and Nongshum were neighbouring villages whose residents had traditionally maintained cordial relations and supported one another.
Zimik called for unity among indigenous communities in confronting what he described as Kuki narco-terrorists.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the response of Assam Rifles personnel stationed near the site of the attack, alleging that their action following the incident was not sufficiently prompt.
Meanwhile, Rosa, cousin of victim Kshetrimayum Sushil, demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, accusing them of failing to restore peace and ensure civilian safety.
Speaking at a press conference at Uyumpok Mamang Leikai on Tuesday morning, attended by local residents and members of the victims’ families, Rosa questioned the government’s repeated claims of improving security while civilians continued to face attacks.
She also called for the withdrawal of central security forces from the affected areas and the deployment of additional Manipur Police personnel, arguing that the state police should play a greater role in protecting residents.
Referring to the prolonged ethnic violence that began in May 2023, Rosa said continued security concerns in vulnerable areas had raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the existing arrangements. She urged the authorities to take decisive measures to prevent further attacks and restore public confidence.