Native People Committee Manipur has called a 48-hour statewide strike from midnight over an attack on firewood collectors that killed three Meetei civilians and injured four.
Imphal, Oct. 19: The Native People Committee Manipur (NPCM) has called a 48-hour statewide general strike across the hill and valley districts from midnight on October 19, demanding action against armed groups allegedly responsible for an attack on Meetei firewood collectors that reportedly killed three people and injured several others.
In a press release issued on October 19, the committee said the victims were from Uyumpok and Nongshum in Imphal East district and were collecting firewood in community forest areas near the Khongbal Tangkhul foothills when the attack took place.
The committee demanded visible security action against those allegedly involved, the removal of unauthorised armed camps from vulnerable areas and a credible guarantee of civilian safety. It also called for a transparent investigation into the incident.
The NPCM said health services, religious activities and institutions, and essential services would remain exempt from the strike. It appealed to the public to maintain peace and ensure that ambulances, emergency medical care and essential supplies were not obstructed.
The committee expressed condolences to the families of the three deceased, identified as Lairenpakpam Inaobi Meitei, 40, of Nongshum; Aribam Noni Meetei, 35, of Nongshum; and Ksh. Sushil Singh, 30, of Uyumpok Mamang Leikai.
It also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.
Describing the deaths as a serious concern for civilian security, the committee questioned the government's ability to protect residents who enter forest areas to collect firewood or carry out other livelihood activities.
The NPCM criticised the state government's handling of the security situation and called on the Home Minister to take moral responsibility for what it described as continuing insecurity.
The committee argued that claims of a return to normalcy and assurances of freedom of movement must be backed by effective security arrangements on the ground.
The NPCM also sought explanations from the authorities over recent developments involving security administration and armed groups.
It referred to the transfer of the Kamjong Superintendent of Police following an appeal reportedly made by the Saikul MLA, as well as an earlier rescue operation involving members of the KNF(P) at Leilon Vaiphei, which the committee said reportedly followed a request by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
The committee said these developments had raised public concerns about possible political interference in security operations. It called for transparent inquiries and lawful action, stressing that political officeholders and armed groups should not be beyond the reach of the law.
The claims and concerns raised by the committee were not independently verified in the press release.
The committee appealed to young people from the Naga and Meetei communities to remain vigilant and work towards protecting the lives, dignity and security of indigenous residents.
It also urged people to examine whether the continuing violence served the interests of ordinary communities, while raising concerns that the conflict could be exploited for political purposes.
The NPCM called on both the Government of India and the Manipur government to address public concerns over the broader security situation through transparent decisions and concrete action.
The committee further referred to the reported presentation of the deceased people's bodies before the Chief Minister by grieving villagers and family members, describing the incident as an expression of public anguish and declining confidence in the government's ability to protect citizens.
The NPCM placed seven demands before the Government of India and the Manipur government:
Immediate and visible action against armed camps and groups credibly implicated in the attack, in accordance with the law and with civilian protection as a priority.
Identification and vacation of unauthorised armed camps near the Khongbal Tangkhul foothills and Khamenlok, with measures to prevent their re-establishment.
Resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen pending a transparent examination of concerns over possible political influence in security operations, alongside a lawful investigation and action against KNF(P) chairman SS Thangboi Kipgen.
A time-bound decision on the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, accompanied by a clear implementation schedule from the Government of India.
Deployment of additional security personnel, including India Reserve Battalion units and other appropriate forces, in vulnerable areas.
A transparent, time-bound investigation into the attack, including the identification of those responsible and their prosecution in accordance with the law.
An enforceable security guarantee for indigenous residents travelling to agricultural land, forests and other areas essential to their livelihoods.
The committee said the proposed strike was intended to press the authorities to respond to the incident and address the security concerns raised in its demands.
The NPCM held the state government politically accountable for what it described as inadequate protection for civilians and urged the Centre and the state government to act immediately and impartially. The committee reiterated that protecting innocent lives was a fundamental responsibility of the government.
