Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday strongly condemned the killing of civilians by armed miscreants at Nongshum in Imphal East district and directed officials to strengthen security measures in vulnerable areas across the state.
Chairing a high-level security review meeting at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Singh assessed the overall law and order situation, including Sunday’s incident in Thoubal district and the latest violence in Imphal East. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, Director General of Police, Commissioner (Home) and senior officials from the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and other security agencies.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to reinforce security arrangements in sensitive locations in view of the recent incidents. Earlier in the day, he visited Raj Medicity Hospital, where he met those injured in the Nongshum attack and their family members. He also spoke with doctors and the hospital management, directing them to ensure the best possible treatment for the victims. Singh assured the injured and their families that the state government would bear all medical expenses.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam rejected claims that peace had returned to Manipur, arguing that a temporary decline in violence should not be mistaken for normalcy. Speaking to the media after visiting the injured at Raj Medicity Hospital, he said genuine peace was more than the mere absence of violence.
Drawing a comparison with the concept of health, Akoijam said peace must be reflected in the proper functioning of institutions, the restoration of normal public life and the ability of people to return home and live without fear. He questioned assertions that normalcy had been restored, noting that many displaced residents were still unable to return to their homes.
The Congress MP further observed that while the intensity of violence may have reduced temporarily, fresh incidents continued to occur and unrest had also spread to hill areas. He warned that criminal elements could take advantage of existing arrangements such as the suspension of operations. Akoijam maintained that his remarks were not politically motivated but reflected a sincere concern for lasting peace in the state.
Amid rising tensions following the latest incident, protesters briefly placed the bodies of the deceased outside the Chief Minister’s official residence before security personnel dispersed the gathering by firing tear gas shells. The bodies were later shifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital.
Security was tightened across Imphal, with roads leading to the Chief Minister’s bungalow and Raj Bhavan being sealed off. Barricades were erected at Kangla Gate, Konung Mamang and Babupara as security forces restricted movement in key parts of the state capital.
The latest violence has once again highlighted concerns over Manipur’s fragile security situation, as the return of displaced residents and the restoration of normal life remain major challenges for the state.
