Manipur: Sit-in protests held across state demanding justice for three Khongban Sunurok victims

Sit-in protests were held at various places across Manipur on October 22, demanding justice for the three civilians killed in an attack at Khongban Sunurok on October 19.

The protesters condemned the killing of the three woodcutters and called on the state government to take immediate action against those responsible. They also expressed concern over civilian safety amid continuing violence in the state.

One of the protesters said people in Manipur had been longing for peace, stability and normalcy, but the government had failed to fulfil their expectations despite repeatedly claiming that peace was gradually returning.

He said the responsibility for ending the violence rested with the government and urged the authorities to take concrete steps to restore normalcy.

Recalling the October 19 attack, the protester said three civilians were reportedly killed while collecting firewood in a community forest area for their daily needs, while several others sustained injuries.

He stressed that such incidents should not recur and called for accountability for the killings.

One of the protesters, Kh Tarunkumar, vice-president of Uripok Apunba Lup, criticised Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam for attending the ongoing Taekwondo Championship at Khuman Lampak Stadium on Tuesday.

He said people across Manipur were deeply upset over the recent attack at Khongban Sunurok and argued that the ministers’ presence at a sporting event at such a time appeared insensitive to public sentiment.

Tarunkumar also condemned the alleged excessive use of force by police against protesters who attempted to storm Khuman Lampak Stadium while protesting against the tournament.

Another protester questioned the government's claims that peace was being restored, pointing to continued killings involving members of the state's indigenous Naga and Meitei communities.

“The government says peace is being restored. But how can it say this when indigenous Naga and Meitei people are being killed continuously? The government should stop spreading propaganda that peace has been restored,” she said.

The demonstrators demanded prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice and urged the authorities to take effective measures to prevent further attacks on civilians.

The protests reflect growing public anger over the Khongban Sunurok killings and continuing concerns about security and the restoration of lasting peace in Manipur.