Imphal, 26 October (H.S.): Manipur Chief

Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday visited the families of three

civilians killed in an attack near Khongbal Sunurok Uyok Hill and met members

of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), as uncertainty continued over the future

of the indefinite statewide shutdown called in protest against the killings.

The Chief

Minister visited the residences of Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaobi and

Kshetrimayum Sushil at Nongshum in Imphal East district. He met members of the

JAC, formed following the October 19 attack, and assured them that their

demands would be considered. Singh also expressed condolences to the bereaved

families and assured them of all possible assistance.

The JAC had

called the indefinite general strike from Monday midnight after the Chief

Minister failed to meet its deadline of 5 pm on Sunday to visit the families of

the deceased. The committee had insisted that Singh visit the victims’ homes

rather than hold discussions with its representatives at his office or official

residence.

The JAC had

expressed resentment over what it described as the government’s failure to show

solidarity with the bereaved families and demanded decisive action following

the killings. It had said the shutdown would continue until the Chief Minister

visited the families.

The October 19

attack near Khongbal Sunurok Uyok Hill claimed the lives of three civilians —

Ronil and Inaobi, residents of Nongshum, and Sushil of Uyumpok. Three other

people were also injured. The incident triggered protests and a 48-hour

shutdown earlier last week, with demonstrators demanding action against those

responsible and stronger measures to protect civilians.

The JAC’s

decision on whether to withdraw or continue the indefinite shutdown was not

immediately available following the Chief Minister’s visit. The extent of the

strike’s impact will depend on the committee’s subsequent announcement.

The killings

have renewed public anger over civilian security in Manipur, where demands for

accountability and action against armed groups continue to pose a major

challenge for the state government.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhijit Deb