IMPHAL, Oct 26: An indefinite statewide shutdown in Manipur, called by a joint action committee (JAC) over the killing of three Meitei villagers in an alleged militant ambush, was called off within hours of its commencement after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited the victims’ families at Nongshum village on Monday.
The JAC, formed to seek justice for the killing of the three villagers, had imposed the total shutdown from Sunday midnight, accusing the chief minister of failing to visit the bereaved families despite a deadline set for October 25.
The decision to suspend the shutdown came after Singh visited Nongshum village on Monday morning, met the families of the deceased and assured them that the government would provide all possible assistance. He also met JAC representatives and listened to their concerns and demands for justice.
During the meeting, the chief minister offered his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the government stood firmly with them. He further stated that all legitimate demands raised by the JAC would be examined with utmost sincerity.
According to JAC convener Tonjam Somorjit, the committee submitted a memorandum to the chief minister outlining its demands. Singh assured the delegation that the matters would be looked into and urged the committee to call off the shutdown. Following the assurance, the JAC decided to suspend the protest.
Somorjit, however, clarified that the suspension of the statewide shutdown did not mark the end of the committee’s movement, stating that the struggle would continue until justice was delivered to the victims and their families.
The three villagers — Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaobi and Kshetrimayum Sushil — were killed on October 19 when suspected Kuki militants allegedly attacked a group of 14 Meitei wood collectors at Sanurok hill along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi inter-district border. Three other villagers were injured in the attack, which triggered widespread condemnation and protests across the conflict-hit state.
The JAC had earlier requested the chief minister to visit the families of the victims at Nongshum village by 5 pm on October 25. After the deadline expired without a visit, the committee announced the indefinite statewide shutdown, citing the government’s failure to respond to its demand.
During his visit, Singh was accompanied by BJP leader Kh Ibomcha Singh and local MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh of the Congress.
After returning to Imphal, the chief minister visited Raj Medicity Hospital at North AOC to enquire about the condition of two of the injured villagers. He directed the hospital authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and wished the injured a speedy and full recovery.
The October 19 attack came after several months of relative calm and has renewed tensions in the violence-affected state. The JAC maintained that its agitation would continue until accountability and justice were ensured for the three victims and their families.
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