Nongshum victims’ families met Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday, October 26, following mounting public anger over the October 19 attack that killed three civilians and injured three others. The visit came after a Joint Action Committee (JAC) announced a statewide shutdown over the delay in meeting the bereaved families.
The Chief Minister visited the affected families in Nongshum and met JAC representatives. The committee had demanded his personal visit, condolences and action over the killings. Following the meeting, the JAC called off the proposed shutdown, marking a significant development in the protests surrounding the incident.
Nongshum Victims: Chief Minister Visits Bereaved Families
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited the homes of Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaobi and Kshetrimayum Sushil, who died in the attack near Khongban Tangkhul in Imphal East district.
The three civilians were reportedly collecting firewood when armed assailants opened fire on their group. All three later died, while three other people sustained injuries. The incident sparked anger among residents and renewed concerns about civilian safety in vulnerable areas.
According to the Chief Minister’s public statement, he expressed condolences to the families and acknowledged their grief. He also said the government stood with them and would extend all possible assistance.
During the visit, Singh met members of the JAC, which was formed following the killings. The committee had sought direct engagement with the state leadership and pressed for accountability.
The meeting followed days of criticism over the delay in the Chief Minister’s visit. Families and local representatives had demanded that the government acknowledge their loss and respond to their concerns.
Nongshum Victims’ Families Press for Justice
The JAC had announced a statewide shutdown after its deadline for the Chief Minister and other BJP leaders to visit the bereaved families passed on Sunday.
The committee had set a 5 pm deadline on October 25 for the leaders to offer condolences. However, the requested meetings did not take place before the deadline, prompting the shutdown announcement for Monday.
The committee argued that the delay showed a lack of adequate engagement with the families. It also raised questions about security arrangements and demanded accountability for the attack.
Moreover, the JAC called for concrete steps to prevent similar incidents. Its demands reflect wider public concerns over the safety of civilians living near vulnerable areas of Manipur.
The committee had also clarified that essential services and religious and cultural programmes would remain exempt from the shutdown. This included the upcoming Mera Hou Chongba festival.
Shutdown Withdrawn After CM’s Visit
The Chief Minister’s visit marked a turning point in the immediate standoff between the JAC and the state government.
After Singh met the families and committee members, the JAC called off the proposed statewide shutdown with immediate effect, according to reports published on Monday.
The families and JAC representatives also submitted a memorandum seeking justice for those killed. The submission gave the committee an opportunity to place its demands directly before the Chief Minister.
However, the withdrawal of the shutdown does not automatically resolve the wider concerns raised after the killings. The families continue to seek justice, while the committee has called for action against those responsible.
The state government’s response to the memorandum and its subsequent steps will remain important as the case progresses. Any determination of responsibility must follow the investigation and applicable legal procedures.
Security Concerns Remain After Khongban Attack
The October 19 attack has intensified concern about security along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi district periphery. The victims were reportedly collecting firewood when armed men targeted their group.
The deaths triggered protests and demands for stronger security measures. Earlier demonstrations also saw residents bring the bodies of two victims to the entrance of the Chief Minister’s residence, highlighting public anger over the killings.
Meanwhile, authorities have faced calls to strengthen security in vulnerable locations and prevent further attacks on civilians. The incident has added to the pressure on the state government to demonstrate that it can protect residents and respond promptly to their concerns.
The latest developments offer a temporary easing of tensions after the Chief Minister’s meeting with the families. Nevertheless, the demand for justice remains central to the community’s response.
The focus now shifts to the government’s handling of the JAC’s demands, assistance for affected families and measures to improve civilian safety. A transparent investigation and effective security action will be essential to address public concerns and rebuild confidence.
For the Nongshum victims’ families, the Chief Minister’s visit represents an important acknowledgement of their loss. However, lasting relief will depend on meaningful follow-up, accountability under the law and steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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