Manipur Violence: Shutdowns Called as Biren Singh Seeks PMO Intervention

IMPHAL: Fresh Manipur violence in the state’s hill districts has raised concerns over civilian safety, with three deaths reported by officials in incidents in Kamjong and Ukhrul districts. Reports of arson and further armed clashes have added to tensions, prompting Kuki civil society organisations to announce shutdowns in parts of the state.

Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has urged the Centre to intervene urgently, demanding the recovery of illegally held weapons, decisive operations against armed groups and stronger security along the India-Myanmar border.

In a post on X, Singh referred to violent incidents in several areas, including Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi. He claimed that seven people had lost their lives in violence across the state in a single day. However, this figure was not independently established by the available official reports, which confirmed three deaths in the incidents covered.

Three Killed in Kamjong and Ukhrul

According to reports citing police officials, two people were killed in violence in Chassad village in Kamjong district, while another man was shot dead near Chepu Yaolen in Ukhrul district.

The deceased in Chassad were identified as Domkhonei Touthang, a 42-year-old woman and mother of five, and Michael Ngamminlen Haokip, a 23-year-old man.

Touthang reportedly sustained a gunshot injury near her neck on Friday night, October 9, and died shortly afterwards. Her death was followed by an exchange of fire between armed groups, during which Haokip was also killed, according to reports citing a police official.

In a separate incident, Sandeep Rai, a farmer from the Nepali community, was shot dead near Chepu Yaolen while travelling to his leased farmland. Reports identified him as a resident of Taphou Senapati Nepali village in Senapati district.

The circumstances surrounding the attacks and the identities of those responsible require further investigation.

Manipur Violence: Kuki Groups Announce Shutdowns

The fresh violence has prompted separate shutdown calls by Kuki civil society organisations.

The Kuki Civil Society Working Committee in Ukhrul announced an indefinite total shutdown along National Highway 202 from 11 am on October 10. The committee cited the killing of Sandeep Rai and alleged attacks on civilians as reasons for its decision.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), meanwhile, announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Kangpokpi district from 6 pm on October 10.

In its statement, CoTU referred to reported incidents in Chassad, Yaolen and areas along the IT Road. The organisation alleged that individuals linked to Tangkhul and Liangmei groups associated with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), or NSCN (IM), were involved in the attacks.

These allegations have not been independently verified. The claims should not be treated as established findings without confirmation from investigators or other reliable sources.

The organisations cited civilian security concerns and called for immediate action by the authorities. The shutdowns are expected to affect transport, businesses and everyday activities in the areas concerned. Essential medical and life-saving services were exempted under the shutdown arrangements described by the organisations.

Reports of Arson and Missing Persons

Reports of houses being set on fire have further heightened tensions in the affected districts. Violence was also reported along the IT Road in Kangpokpi district, including areas around Makui Ashang and Tapon.

Singh also raised concerns over two Naga residents of Makui Ashang who were reportedly missing.

The former chief minister referred to reports that a police station in Kamjong district had been set on fire. However, Manipur Police reportedly denied social media claims and videos suggesting that the police station had been burnt.

The conflicting accounts underline the need for verified information from police and district authorities as the security situation develops.

Biren Singh Demands Stronger Security Measures

Expressing concern over the deteriorating law-and-order situation, Singh called on the state and central security forces to act without delay.

His demands include:

• Recovering all illegally held firearms and ammunition.
• Launching decisive operations against armed militant groups.
• Strengthening security along the India-Myanmar border.
• Taking urgent steps to protect civilians in vulnerable areas.

Singh tagged the Prime Minister’s Office in his post, seeking urgent central intervention to address the security situation.

His appeal comes amid renewed violence involving areas inhabited by different communities, where competing accounts of attacks and responsibility have added to tensions.

Civilian Protection Remains the Key Challenge

The latest incidents have intensified concerns over the safety of residents in Manipur’s hill districts. Deaths, reported arson, missing persons and shutdown calls have created further uncertainty for local communities.

The immediate priorities for the authorities include preventing further violence, protecting civilians, establishing the facts behind each reported incident and ensuring accountability for those responsible.

Independent investigations are particularly important where allegations have been made against specific armed groups or security personnel. Establishing the circumstances of the deaths and verifying claims of arson and attacks will be essential to preventing misinformation and further escalation.

As tensions continue, the focus remains on restoring security, safeguarding civilian lives and ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice.

Reporting note: The death toll of seven cited by N. Biren Singh differs from the three deaths reported by officials in the specific incidents covered. Claims regarding responsibility for the attacks, the alleged burning of a police station and the missing persons require further confirmation.