Imphal: Tensions flared in Imphal on Monday after protesters placed the bodies of two men, allegedly killed by suspected militants in Kangpokpi district, outside Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s bungalow in Babupara.
The two Meitei men were shot dead and four others injured when suspected militants allegedly opened fire on a group of firewood collectors near the boundary of Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts, officials said.
One of the injured men, identified as Ksh Sunil, 32, succumbed to his injuries, taking the death toll to three.
The incident occurred at Khongbal Sunurok Uyok in Kangpokpi district, a few metres from Nongshum village in Imphal East. The deceased have been identified as Arubam Ronil, 35, and Lairenlakpam Inaobi, 51.
According to officials, 16 people had gone to the hills near Nongshum around 7 am to collect firewood when they were allegedly ambushed. Two men died on the spot, while others sustained gunshot injuries.
One of the injured persons reportedly said the group was loading firewood when the assailants opened fire.
Local villagers recovered the bodies and brought them to Imphal, placing them outside the Chief Minister’s bungalow. Police fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse the protesters, following which the bodies were taken to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal East.
Of the four injured, one, identified as Ksh Deven, was said to be in critical condition. The injured have been shifted to Raj Medicity Hospital for advanced treatment.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Raj Medicity Hospital to meet the injured and the victims’ family members.
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