A bloody conflict between Meetei people and tribal police, who killed some firewood harvesters over a 48-hour state-wide general strike on Tuesday, disrupted normal lives all over Manipur, nearly halting vehicular movement. A few roads were empty and a “suspenseful mood” existed in various areas of the State.
Protestors arrived in the morning at Canchipur, Khurai and Patsoi to uphold the strike. There was also an increase in public anger related to protests that happened at several locations in the district, which included Lamlong, Singjamei, Kwakeithel, and Chingmeirong in the night hours following an attack in the Imphal East district on October 18 near the villages of Uyumpok and Nongshum.
The general strike was called by the Native People Committee Manipur (NPC) and called upon for immediate and decisive action against the armed groups allegedly involved in the attack. The incident has also questioned the safety of civilians approaching forest areas for livelihood matters and collecting wood for firewood.
The three fatalities were identified as Lairenpakpam Inaobi Meitei, 40 and Aribam Noni Meetei, 35 both from Nongshum village and Ksh. Sushil Singh aged 30, from Uyumpok Mamang Leikai. It was reported that the victims were gathering firewood in the vicinity of Kuongbal Tangkhul foothill areas when the attack was happening. Other individuals also were reported injured.
In a related development, in the other case two bodies were seen bringing in by the police and set to the gates of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s home, which were later released later on Monday. The incident had been further fueling the tensions following the deadly incidents.
The closure of all state schools was a result of increasing calls for accountability and more action to ensure civilians’ safety. Residents living in forests are reliant on the forests for day-to-day needs and the NPC has asked the authorities to respond to these concerns as soon as possible.