Roads were deserted in several areas amid a tense atmosphere. Normal life was disrupted across Manipur on Tuesday as a 48-hour statewide general strike over the killing of three Meetei firewood collectors brought vehicular movement to a virtual halt.
In a significant development, individuals detained by police for bringing and placing two bodies at the gates of the Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s residence were released later on Monday. An Opposition delegation met Manipur Chief Minister on Tuesday The committee has demanded the identification and vacation of unauthorised armed camps near the Khongbal Tangkhul foothills and Khamenlok, additional security deployment in vulnerable areas, and a transparent, time-bound investigation into the killings. It has also sought a time-bound decision on the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The NPC further demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, citing concerns over alleged political interference in security operations, and called for lawful action against KNF(P) chairman SS Thangboi Kipgen. The allegations and demands remain those of the committee. The shutdown follows an emotionally charged protest in which grieving villagers and family members brought the bodies of two victims to the Chief Minister’s residence, seeking accountability and stronger security measures. The subsequent detention and release of individuals involved have added another dimension to the unfolding developments. The committee has accused the state government of failing to provide adequate security and questioned assurances that normalcy was returning to Manipur. It has urged the state and central governments to take immediate, transparent and impartial action to protect civilians.
