Manipur Chief Minister Meets Victims Families Following Shutdown Threat

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh traveled to Nongshum on Monday, October 26, to meet the families of three men killed in a violent attack. The October 19 incident at Khongban Tangkhul in Imphal East district claimed the lives of Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, and Kshetrimayum Sushil. Three other people suffered injuries during the assault, which authorities blame on armed Kuki individuals.

Public outrage hit a boiling point. The Joint Action Committee formed for the Nongshum incident demanded a visit from Singh and BJP legislators. When the 5 pm Sunday deadline passed without a showing, the committee declared a statewide shutdown starting Monday. JAC co-convenor Tonjam Somorjit accused the administration of failing to provide basic security.

Singh visited the victims at their homes and spoke with JAC members to calm the rising tensions. He promised to weigh their list of demands. In a social media update regarding the meeting, Singh noted, "I shared the profound grief of the bereaved families, conveyed my heartfelt condolences and prayed for strength to bear this irreparable loss." He further claimed the state would back the families with necessary aid.

The protest organizers exempted religious events from the shutdown. The ongoing Mera Hou Chongba festival and essential services will continue to run despite the committee pressing for further government accountability.