Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh reviewed security after three Meitei villagers were killed and three injured in a firewood collection attack in Imphal East.
Imphal, Oct. 19: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level security meeting on Monday evening following the killing of three Meitei civilians and injuries to three others in an attack by unidentified armed militants at Sunulok Hill in Imphal East district earlier in the day.
The Chief Minister directed officials to strengthen security measures in vulnerable areas of the state and reviewed the overall security situation, including the previous day's incident in Thoubal district and Monday's attack near the Kongbal Tangkhul area.
According to Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lharji Dorjee Lhatoo, the attack occurred at around 9.40 am when unidentified armed militants opened fire on a group of 14 Meitei villagers engaged in cutting and transporting firewood. The location falls under Sagolmang Police Station.
Three villagers died from bullet injuries, while three others sustained injuries. The injured were evacuated and are receiving medical treatment.
The Chief Minister's security meeting was held at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, Director General of Police, Commissioner (Home) and senior officers of the Army, Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and other security agencies attended the meeting.
Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh visited Raj Medicity hospital, where he met the injured civilians and their family members.
He also met the hospital's managing director and doctors, directing them to provide the best possible medical treatment to the victims. The Chief Minister assured the injured and their families that the state government would bear all medical expenses.
The visit followed the fatal attack on villagers who had gone to collect firewood, an activity linked to their daily livelihood needs.
Addressing a press conference, ADGP Lhatoo said joint operations were underway in the affected area involving Manipur Police, Cobra personnel, CRPF, Assam Rifles and BSF. He said additional intelligence-based operations were being planned on priority.
According to the ADGP, Assam Rifles personnel responded to the incident and brought the injured and deceased from the area. Police have received various inputs concerning those involved, and the case is under investigation.
Lhatoo said security agencies were treating the incident with utmost concern and would take necessary legal action against those responsible after following due process.
Security arrangements have been strengthened, with sniffer dogs, drones and helicopter surveillance being used in the area. District contingency plans have also been activated, while joint nakas and mobile check posts have been deployed.
The police said senior officers were coordinating with different security agencies and other stakeholders to sustain operations, maintain public order and prevent further escalation.
The ADGP said intensified action would be taken against individuals involved in the incidents and that all necessary legal and operational measures would be pursued to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He appealed to the public to remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Residents were also urged not to believe or circulate unverified information, rumours or provocative content on social media, warning that such material could aggravate the situation.
Lhatoo called on all sections of society to cooperate with the police and security forces in maintaining peace. He also urged people to report suspicious activities or relevant information to the nearest police station or the central control room.
The police said further updates would be shared as verified information became available.
The attack in Imphal East and the previous day's incident in Thoubal have prompted a review of security arrangements, with the state government directing officials to strengthen protection in vulnerable areas.
