Three civilians collecting firewood were killed and at least three others injured after armed assailants opened fire on a group of villagers near Nongshum and Khongbal Tangkhul village along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi district periphery at around 9.30 am today, triggering widespread anger over the failure to protect civilian lives.
The attack prompted residents to bring the bodies of two victims to the entrance of the Chief Minister’s bungalow in Imphal, while protesters blocked roads at Khurai Lamlong, demanding accountability and immediate measures to prevent further attacks.
According to reports, the victims were collecting firewood when armed assailants fired at them. Two civilians reportedly died at the scene, while the third succumbed to his injuries at Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal, where he was undergoing treatment.
KACCO condemns killings
The Khamenlok Area Core Committee (KACCO) condemned the killing of three Meitei civilians in Khongban village in the Khamenlok area, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and called for urgent measures to protect civilians.
In a statement issued today, the committee said the killings had dealt another blow to hopes of rehabilitation, reconstruction and peaceful coexistence in an area that, according to the committee, suffered extensive destruction between June 2 and 4, 2023.
Describing the violence as senseless, KACCO reiterated its commitment to maintaining harmony and preventing further conflict, maintaining that violence could not resolve the underlying problems.
The committee appealed to the government, security forces and the public to take immediate steps to safeguard the region and ensure that civilians across communities could live without fear.
It urged all parties to respect human life and refrain from actions that could deepen communal mistrust.
KACCO also cautioned against attempts to exploit the killings to inflame tensions, alleging that vested interests might seek to implicate the committee and the Kuki-Zo community in the violence. It urged civil society organisations, the media and the public to verify information before circulating it and remain alert to what it described as fabricated narratives and propaganda.
With three civilians dead and others injured, the immediate questions concern who carried out the attack, how the assailants approached and escaped the area, and what measures the authorities will take to prevent further attacks on civilians. The circumstances of the incident and the identity of those responsible remain to be established through investigation.
The deceased were identified as Arubam Ronil, around 35, son of Raja; Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 44, son of Tombi; and Kh. Sushil, 32. All three were residents of Nongshum.
The injured were identified as Meisnam Somendro Meitei, 54, of Uyumpok Nungshum, who sustained an injury to his left upper abdomen; Ngangom Suraj Meitei, 19, of Nungshum, who was injured in his right leg; and Khondram Basaunte Meitei, 46, of Uyumpok Mamang Leikai, who reportedly complained of pain in his left chest.
Security forces rushed to the area following the attack, while the injured were evacuated for medical treatment. The identities of the attackers and the circumstances leading to the firing had not been officially established at the time of reporting.