Manipur killings: Six injured as police use tear gas to disperse protesters in Imphal

At least six protesters were injured after police fired tear gas shells and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators in Imphal on October 21 during protests against the killing of three Meitei civilians in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.

Tensions escalated as Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam attended the first Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal West. Angry demonstrators attempted to march towards the venue, objecting to the ministers’ participation in the event amid mourning over the killings.

Three women protesters sustained injuries when police used tear gas shells and stun grenades near Khurai Lamlong Bridge as demonstrators tried to proceed towards the sports complex. Delegates from South Korea also participated in the championship.

The injured protesters were taken to hospitals for treatment. Four were admitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), while two others were taken to Raj Medicity.

The demonstrators said holding a public event amid the prevailing law and order situation was inappropriate. They alleged that the government had failed to address the continuing violence and demanded accountability over the latest killings.

Three Meitei firewood collectors were shot dead by unidentified armed assailants at Sunurok Hills in Kangpokpi district on Monday morning. The incident triggered widespread outrage and a 48-hour general shutdown across Manipur.

Despite the police action, a large number of protesters continued their demonstration in the Lamlong area, condemning the killings and raising concerns over the security situation in the state.

In a separate protest at Khabeisoi in Imphal East district, demonstrators burnt effigies of Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, Home Minister Konthoujam and Rajya Sabha MP A Sarda Devi. The protesters condemned the killings and expressed support for the shutdown.

The latest protests reflect mounting public anger over the security situation in Manipur following the October 19 attack, which has further heightened tensions in the violence-hit state.